Topic: Spark of Independence

Grade: 8 Date: 11-17-15

Objectives:
SWBAT display the rise in tensions between the American Colonists and
England in a chart in their notes.
SWBAT connect to the people of the time by writing a R.A.F.T from a
loyalist perspective.
Essential Questions:
How did the actions of England (Intolerable Acts) create a rift between
England and the American colonies?
Differentiation:
Students have access to the notes printed off.
I will have a R.A.F.T outline either printed off or on the smartboard.
Standards:
OSTP 5-The idea of the Enlightenment and dissatisfaction with colonial
rule led English colonists to write the Declaration of Independence and
launch the American Revolution.
NCSS 10 Civic Ideals and practices.
Materials:
PPT
Copies of R.A.F.T guidelines. (Either printed off or on the Smartboard.)
Copies of The Midnight Ride.
Vocabulary:

Intolerable Acts
First Continental Congress.
Minutemen
Patriot
Loyalist
Committees of Correspondence

Lesson: (45 Minutes)

Intro- (3-5 minutes)

Ask students to ponder what happened last week and take a few
minutes to think about what will happen next. Give them a few

minutes to think, then share with a neighbor, then will the whole
class.
Body- (20-25 minutes)
Begin PowerPoint- after the Boston Tea Party England was angry
with Boston. Because they never found anyone to be guilty,
England punishes the whole city.
England passes the Coercive Acts, (called the Intolerable Acts by
the colonists.) These acts did many things to the Massachusetts
Colony, but the worst things were that it 1. Shut down Boston
Harbor until the tea was paid for. 2. Banned Comm. of Corr. 3.
Soldiers could be housed wherever necessary, and 4. British
officials would be tried in England.
Colonists come together at the First Continental Congress.
(except Georgia) They stop all trade with Britain, and all agree to
start training troops. Wil Check back in in 7 months. (War had
started b then though.)
British troops move on Lexington and Concord. Paul Revere,
William Dawes, and Dr. Samuel Prescott spread the word to warn
the colonists. Minutemen were ready to go! (Read Midnight ride?)
Battles at Lexington and Concord!! WAR!!!!
Sides had to be chosen. Loyalist or Patriot?
Conclusion- ( 5-10 minutes/ until end of class)

We talked about the last straw, the final spark that would ignite
the revolution. I want to do a writing exercise. (Show Raft
diagram on smart board) You can choose any audience, or
format, but I want you to write from the perspective of a loyalist
and why you support the king and Parliament.
Assessment The R.A.F.T will be graded. Out of 16 points. 4 sections with 4
points per section. 13 point mastery. As shown in the rubric.
R(ole)= A loyalist
A(udiance)= Their choice
F(ormat)=Their choice
T(opic)=Why you are a loyalist, and why others should be
too.

Persuasive Essay : R.A.F.T Criteria

CATEGO 4 - Above Stan 3 - Meets Stan 2 - Approaching Sta 1 - Below Stan Sco
RY
dards
dards
ndards
dards
re

Position
Stateme
nt

The position
statement provides
a clear, strong
statement of the
author's position on
the topic.

The position
statement provides
a clear statement of
the author's
position on the
topic.

A position statement is
There is no position
present, but does not
statement.
make the author's position
clear.

Accurac All supportive facts

and statistics are
y

Almost all
Most supportive facts and
supportive facts
statistics are reported
reported accurately. and statistics are
accurately.
reported accurately.

Most supportive
facts and statistics
were inaccurately
reported.

Evidenc
e and
Example
s

All of the evidence

and examples are
specific, relevant
and explanations
are given that show
how each piece of
evidence supports
the author's
position.

Most of the
evidence and
examples are
specific, relevant
and explanations
are given that show
how each piece of
evidence supports
the author's
position.

At least one of the pieces

of evidence and examples
is relevant and has an
explanation that shows
how that piece of evidence
supports the author's
position.

Evidence and
examples are NOT
relevant AND/OR
are not explained.

Gramma
r&
Spelling

Author makes no
errors in grammar
or spelling that
distract the reader
from the content.

Author makes 1-2

errors in grammar
or spelling that
distract the reader
from the content.

Author makes 3-4 errors in

grammar or spelling that
distract the reader from the
content.

Author makes more

than 4 errors in
grammar or spelling
that distract the
reader from the
content.

Alternative plan:

If I need more time I have copies of Longfellows the Midnight Ride

that I can hand out to students and read aloud or allow them to read to
each other in partners.