Grade 7: Reliving the American Revolution
In history class, students have been analyzing the road leading to America’s declaration of independence from Great Britain. For a re-enactment of the Second Continental Congress, they each assumed the identity of a delegate with one of three political perspectives (Patriot, Loyalist or Neutralist) to participate in a debate with their peers. The assignment was designed to give them a more intimate understanding of the issues of the era while learning important facts about the revolution.
In history class, students have been analyzing the road leading to America’s declaration of independence from Great Britain. For a re-enactment of the Second Continental Congress, they each assumed the identity of a delegate with one of three political perspectives (Patriot, Loyalist or Neutralist) to participate in a debate with their peers. The assignment was designed to give them a more intimate understanding of the issues of the era while learning important facts about the revolution.
Seventh graders were challenged to not only understand and articulate their characters' views, but also to debate and defend those positions based on facts. Immersing themselves into the historic context of the period, their speeches included obsolete terminology, details of colony life and examples of how the discord with Great Britain impacted lives.
Throughout the debate, students were expected to follow parliamentary rules of order as they engaged in “pacting” sessions to force action on other delegates and persuade peers to vote for or against a revolution. Some students dived deeper into their roles with costumes or props that reflect the 1770s.
Teacher Beth Gaffga opened the session acknowledging that some will have to work outside their comfort zones. “It’s hard to think on your feet in a debate,” she told students. “I want you to take risks and put yourself out there.”
Rob Jacoby studied Virginia plantation owner Richard Henry Lee, a Patriot, to argue that unfair tax laws necessitated a war with Mother England. “The Loyalists were doing a good job persuading the Neutralists,” he says, “so we had to work even harder to make our argument. What I enjoyed about this assignment was experiencing history, not just reading about it, and making my own opinion about it.”
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
