• Role cards with character backgrounds and perspectives
• Simple costume elements (hats, signs, name tags)
• Background information sheets on colonial issues
• Town meeting agenda
• Classroom arranged as meeting hall
• Prop voting ballots
• Discussion question prompts
• Reflection worksheet

Create role cards for various colonial citizens (merchant, farmer, blacksmith, printer, tax collector, etc.) with background information and position on taxation. Develop a realistic town meeting agenda discussing British taxation. Arrange classroom to resemble a town hall. Prepare simple props and costume elements to help students get into character.

1. Introduction to historical context (10 minutes):
2. Review the relationship between American colonies and Britain in the 1770s
3. Discuss taxation issues and colonial responses
4. Explain the purpose and format of colonial town meetings
2. Role assignment and preparation (15 minutes):
3. Distribute role cards to students (ensure diverse perspectives)
4. Students read their role information and prepare by:
5. Understanding their character's occupation and status in society
6. Identifying their position on British taxation
7. Preparing talking points based on their perspective
8. Creating a name tag or simple costume element
9. Students with similar roles may meet briefly to discuss shared interests
3. Town meeting rules and procedures (5 minutes):
4. Review respectful discourse expectations
5. Explain how to request to speak (raising hand)
6. Introduce the town moderator (teacher or prepared student)
7. Review voting procedures
4. Town hall meeting simulation (20-25 minutes):
5. Moderator calls meeting to order and presents agenda
6. Opening statements from key figures (tax collector, merchant, etc.)
7. Discussion of specific taxation issues following the agenda
8. Citizens present viewpoints consistent with their roles
9. Proposal of solutions or responses to taxes
10. Voting on proposed actions
5. Debrief in character (5-7 minutes):
6. Students discuss their feelings about the meeting outcomes while still in role
7. Moderator guides discussion of next steps for the community
6. Exit from roles (2 minutes):
7. Students remove character elements
8. Brief physical movement to help transition out of role
7. Historical connection and reflection (10 minutes):
8. Compare simulation to actual historical events and responses
9. Discuss how different social positions influenced perspectives on taxation
10. Complete reflection worksheet connecting the simulation to the causes of the American Revolution

For struggling students, provide more detailed role cards with specific phrases to use. For English learners, include visual supports and key vocabulary on role cards. For advanced students, assign complex roles with conflicting interests or include unexpected developments during the meeting.

Evaluate students' ability to stay in character and represent historical perspectives accurately. Note use of historical vocabulary and concepts during the simulation. Review reflection worksheets for understanding of multiple perspectives and historical context.