Delaware fact file
Research Delaware: where it is, what it is known for, three interesting facts, and a drawing.
state / province
Explore Delaware
Welcome to Delaware, the First State of the United States! Explore our reading passages to discover this small but mighty state's rich colonial history, beautiful Atlantic coastline, and vital role in shaping American heritage.
12 readings
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Reading passages across Delaware
Browse every reading connected to Delaware, including passages from its regions, cities, landmarks, and natural features.
Delaware printables & worksheets
Print-and-go Delaware activities for the classroom or home — ready to download as PDF.
Build a Delaware workbook Pro
One PDF with the reading passages, puzzles and worksheets you pick — start from a grade level and adjust from there, with the answer keys at the back.
Delaware KWL chart
Write what you already know about Delaware, what you want to find out, and what you learned.
Delaware story map
Plan a story set in Delaware: characters, setting, problem, what happens first, next, and last, and how it ends.
Delaware word web
Put Delaware in the middle and collect words and ideas connected to it.
Compare two things from Delaware
Use a Venn diagram to compare two places, landmarks, animals, traditions, or other features from Delaware.
Delaware acrostic poem
Write an acrostic poem using the letters in the name Delaware.
Delaware word game worksheets
Printable word puzzles built from Delaware words — download as PDF, answer key included.
Easy word search
8×8 grid · 6 words across and down · answer key included
Medium word search
10×10 grid · 8 words with diagonals · answer key included
Tricky word search
12×12 grid · 10 words with backwards words · answer key included
No printer at hand? Play the Delaware word search right here on screen — free.
About Delaware
Delaware was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787.
It is the second-smallest state in the United States by land area, behind only Rhode Island.
Delaware has the lowest average elevation of any U.S. state, with its highest point at Ebright Azimuth measuring just 448 feet.
Discovering the First State
Delaware may be one of the smallest states in the nation, but it holds a massive place in American history. As the very first state to ratify the United States Constitution, Delaware offers a unique window into the founding of the nation. Exploring reading passages about this Mid-Atlantic region helps young learners connect historical events to physical geography, from the bustling Delaware River to the scenic shores of Rehoboth Beach.
Building Literacy and Historical Knowledge
By reading about Delaware, students build essential background knowledge in both social studies and science. They can investigate the unique ecology of the Delaware Bay, learn about the legacy of early Native American communities like the Lenni-Lenape, or trace the paths of historic railroads. Integrating regional geography into daily reading practice helps K-8 students improve vocabulary, strengthen comprehension, and develop a spatial understanding of how small areas can shape national history.
Delaware reading map FAQ
Why is Delaware called the First State?
Delaware earned this nickname because it was the first of the original thirteen colonies to ratify the United States Constitution.
What is the capital of Delaware?
The capital of Delaware is Dover, a historic city founded in 1683 by William Penn.
Where is Delaware located?
Delaware is located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, bordered by Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the Atlantic Ocean.
What are some notable natural features of Delaware?
Delaware is known for its flat coastal plains, sandy Atlantic beaches, and the ecologically rich wetlands surrounding the Delaware Bay.