Archaeology Mini Unit

Dig into learning with this engaging Archaeology Mini Unit, perfect for 1st–3rd grade students! This hands-on literacy resource blends reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and comparing & contrasting skills—all while sparking curiosity about history and discovery.
 
Your students will read two short, leveled passages—What Is an Archaeologist? and Dr. Rosa’s Big Discovery—then dive into comprehension questions, vocabulary practice, writing prompts, and a creative comparison activity using a Venn diagram.
 
Designed to align with 1st Grade Common Core ELA Standards (RL.1.1–RL.1.9, RI.1.1–RI.1.9, W.1.2–W.1.8, SL.1.1–SL.1.5, L.1.1–L.1.5), this mini-unit can easily be adapted for 2nd–4th grade readers and writers.
 
What’s Included:
Two nonfiction + fiction reading passages
Vocabulary list and definitions
Reading comprehension worksheets (multiple choice + short answer)
Compare & contrast Venn diagram activity
Answer keys for easy grading
 
Perfect For:
Literacy centers
Small group instruction
Early finisher activities
Sub plans
Cross-curricular connections with social studies and science
 
Encourage your students to become little archaeologists as they uncover clues, build reading skills, and explore the past—one artifact at a time!
 
📍Check out the full lesson breakdown and bonus activities on my blog:
Digging Into Learning: A Hands-On Archaeology Mini Unit for Grades 1–3