• Scene cards with descriptions
• Props (optional)
• Performance space
• Audience seating arrangement

Create scene cards describing specific moments from the Revolution. Clear space for performance. Plan groupings of 4-5 students. Establish audience norms.

1. Explain tableau: A frozen image like a photograph or painting. No movement, no talking. Bodies tell the story.
2. Model: Create a simple tableau of 'students taking a test' - show different expressions and postures.
3. Assign groups and distribute scene cards. Examples: Boston Tea Party, Signing the Declaration, Valley Forge, Paul Revere's Ride.
4. Planning time (7-10 min): Groups discuss: Who are the characters? What's the key moment? What emotions? What body positions?
5. Every person must be in the tableau with a clear role.
6. Practice: Groups rehearse their tableau, adjusting positions.
7. Performance: Each group counts 3-2-1-Freeze! Hold for 10 seconds.
8. Audience observes: What do you see? Who are the characters? What moment is this?
9. 'Tap in': Tap a frozen character on shoulder, they speak one sentence as that character.
10. Debrief: How did creating the tableau deepen your understanding?

Assign specific roles for students who struggle with open-ended tasks. Allow shy students to be positioned by others. For advanced groups, create tableaux showing before, during, and after a key moment.

Evaluate accuracy of historical content in tableau. Check that all group members are purposefully positioned. Ask probing questions about character choices. Audience feedback guides assessment.