Lesson · Elementary (BRI Jr)
Causes of the American Revolution for 3-5
Founding Principles
Virtues
About this lesson
How this lesson flows
Every stage is laid out below, so you can see the whole lesson at a glance. Nothing is hidden.
Guiding questions
- Lesson Plan PDF Essential Question: How did the ideals of natural rights and justice inspire a revolution for independence in the colonies?
- What did colonists think about British rule?
- How does the Declaration of Independence show the American ideals of justice and natural rights?
Learning Objectives
- I complete a word study to investigate key vocabulary.
- I can gather and organize information about historical figures.
- I can use a guide to construct debate outlines and paragraphs.
- I can investigate primary sources using excerpts.
- I can use presentation skills to state my ideas in a debate format.
Content Objectives
- I can identify important events and other factors that led to increased tension between the colonies and Great Britain.
- I can compare and contrast the viewpoints of colonists leading up the American Revolution.
- I can identify the natural rights claimed by American colonists.
- I can explain the purpose and importance of the Declaration of Independence.
Lesson components
Everything you need, in the version that fits your class.
Activity3-5 Elementary Vocabulary Word Study HandoutA template to help students define key vocabulary words.
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Activity3-5 Elementary Colonist Views Around the RoomHandout to be used with Colonists Character cards that introduce students to important historical figures.
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Activity3-5 Elementary Declaration of Independence Graphic OrganizerAn introductory activity to guide students through discovery of the Declaration of Independence.
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Activity3-5 Elementary Declaration of IndependenceA scaffolded version of this document to ensure students grasp the key concepts.
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Activity3-5 Elementary Declaration of Independence Associated ReadingsAdditional readings to give students background for the creation of the Declaration of Independence.
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Activity3-5 Elementary Causes of the American Revolution Student DebateA debate activity to help students gain understanding of the complexities of the move toward Independence.
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Activity3-5 Elementary Teacher Read-Aloud Declaration of IndependenceA scripted activity to guide students through exploration of the Declaration of Independence.
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Activity3-5 Causes of the American Revolution Student Self-AssessmentA self-reflection activity that allows students to internalize their learning.
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The lesson, step by step
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More Information
This lesson is designed around inquiry questions. There is one essential question, and several guiding questions around which the content is based. The lesson takes place in 5 stages:
- Anticipate- Students build background knowledge needed to be successful in the lesson.
- Engage- Students are ‘hooked” into the lesson.
- Explore- Students grapple with the main content of the unit (usually 2-3 parts).
- Assess- Students demonstrate their knowledge through a performance assessment.
- Reflect- Students reflect on their learning in the lesson.
- The sections below provide a brief overview of the unit’s structure. It offers a snapshot of the organization and flow of the entire unit.
The following detailed sections break down the five stages of the lesson. Each stage is discussed thoroughly with actionable steps to guide you through the teaching process effectively.