This activity focuses on teaching students about the geography and history of the United States, specifically the original 13 colonies. Labeling a map with these colonies, students develop their geographical skills and understanding of United States history. The standards touched on are likely from a middle school geography or social studies curriculum, which often includes understanding historical maps and how borders change throughout history.

A long time ago, before the United States became one big country, people lived in 13 smaller areas called colonies. These colonies were located on the East Coast of what you now know as the U.S. People from a faraway country called England came across the ocean and started living there. The 13 colonies were places like New York, Virginia, and Massachusetts, each with its communities and ways of life. Over time, the people in these colonies decided they wanted to be their own country, and that's how the United States began!