Teaching the American Revolution using Dramatics
 

Type:  Social Studies lesson for Grade 5 students.

General Objective:  To have students understand the viewpoints of both the Patriot and Loyalist colonists.

Procedure:
1.  After reading section on viewpoints, split the class into two groups.  Half will represent the Patriots and the other half the Loyalists.
2.  Have students work in groups to generate ideas as to how they could support their side and refute the arguments of the opposite side.
3.  Have each student go against another from the opposite group.
4.  When activity is complete, have students write a short paragraph on which side they think won during their arguments.  Also have them list what viewpoints they learned from the exercise.

Materials:  Social Studies book excerpt on the Revolution and the views of the Patriots and Loyalists.

Evaluation:  Questions, presentation, and written work.

    Acting out history can be a lot of fun for both you and your students.  In this project, students play the role of a Patriot or Loyalist.  In my class, the students had fun arguing against one another.  At the same time, they were learning what the viewpoint was of each side and how it could be refuted.  Another great idea I tried with my class was creating commercials.  Have students pretend that TV existed during the time of the American Revolution.  Have them create a commercial that will persuade the colonists to sign the Declaration of Independence.  You'll be surprised at how creative your students can become.