Ready-to-use classroom activity
Students act out scenarios, historical events, or processes, taking on specific roles to demonstrate understanding.
Grade range
Works across
Activity style
Classroom walkthrough
One concrete example you can borrow, adapt, or teach as written.
Example lesson context
Gather these before class.
What to have ready before students begin.
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.
A classroom-ready sequence from launch to follow-up.
Introduction to historical context (10 minutes):
Review the relationship between American colonies and Britain in the 1770s
Discuss taxation issues and colonial responses
Explain the purpose and format of colonial town meetings
Role assignment and preparation (15 minutes):
Distribute role cards to students (ensure diverse perspectives)
Students read their role information and prepare by:
Understanding their character's occupation and status in society
Identifying their position on British taxation
Preparing talking points based on their perspective
Creating a name tag or simple costume element
Students with similar roles may meet briefly to discuss shared interests
Town meeting rules and procedures (5 minutes):
Review respectful discourse expectations
Explain how to request to speak (raising hand)
Introduce the town moderator (teacher or prepared student)
Review voting procedures
Town hall meeting simulation (20-25 minutes):
Moderator calls meeting to order and presents agenda
Opening statements from key figures (tax collector, merchant, etc.)
Discussion of specific taxation issues following the agenda
Citizens present viewpoints consistent with their roles
Proposal of solutions or responses to taxes
Voting on proposed actions
Debrief in character (5-7 minutes):
Students discuss their feelings about the meeting outcomes while still in role
Moderator guides discussion of next steps for the community
Exit from roles (2 minutes):
Students remove character elements
Brief physical movement to help transition out of role
Historical connection and reflection (10 minutes):
Compare simulation to actual historical events and responses
Discuss how different social positions influenced perspectives on taxation
Complete reflection worksheet connecting the simulation to the causes of the American Revolution
Adjust the activity without losing its core purpose.
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.
Use these signals to assess understanding.
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.