Learning Objectives

• Identify the main cause of the American Revolution.
• Describe how the American colonists felt about British rules and taxes.
• Sequence important events from the American Revolution.
• Explain one way the American Revolution changed life for colonists.

Materials Needed

• Short grade-level informational text about the American Revolution
• Cause-and-effect sorting cards or worksheet
• Timeline worksheet
• Pencils
• Crayons or colored pencils
• Optional word bank handout
• Independent work directions sheet

Support

• Provide a word bank with vocabulary and sentence starters.
• Offer a shortened text with pictures for students who need extra support.
• Allow students to work with a partner for the reading portion if independent work is too difficult.
• Use chunked directions and check off each task one at a time.
• Read directions aloud and clarify unfamiliar terms before students begin.

Challenge

• Ask students to explain which cause of the Revolution they think was most important and why.
• Have students add one extra event to the timeline from memory.
• Invite students to write a comparison sentence: 'The colonists felt ___, but Britain wanted ___. '
• Encourage students to use two or more vocabulary words in their written response.

Checks for Understanding

• Observe students during reading and sorting for correct understanding of causes and effects.
• Listen for accurate use of vocabulary during conferences.
• Check completed timelines for correct sequence.
• Review written responses for a clear reason and explanation.
• Use student self-checks at the end to confirm finished work.

Closure

Bring students together briefly and ask volunteers to share one cause of the American Revolution and one effect. End by reinforcing that the colonists wanted independence because they felt British rules and taxes were unfair.