This activity gives students a chance to more fully explore and understand how the different parts of English colonial government functioned by giving them a chance to solve problems experienced by an actual English colony. Students will take on several different roles, and by acting out of their assigned roles they will gain an understanding how a colonial charter, assembly, and governor all interacted and worked together to establish rule of law in the New World. This is a great simulation activity for all ages and reinforces all the key concepts relating to English colonial law and government. It includes; - a teacher handbook to explain the activity and give suggestions for setting it up - an example map of the colony and a blank one if you want to create your own - student handouts including a charter and student scenario slips and

This reading activity introduces students to Common Sense by Thomas Paine, one of the most important written works of the Revolutionary War era. During this document-based investigations, students will use Paine's original text to respond to questions and criticisms relating to independence. Students at a lower reading level will have access to a translated copy of Paine's text, insuring that all students can participate in this Common Core activity! This product comes complete with questions, a made-to-assemble copy of selections from Common Sense, and a teachers guide to help you plan and get started. It includes; - directions for the first time teacher - selections for Thomas Paine's work that include translations for scaffolding

What happened at the Constitutional Convention? How did our government take shape? Who were the people who helped form our country and how did they do it? This engaging simulation helps students to experience the excitement, compromise, and debates that helped form our national government by recreating the Constitutional Convention of 1787. In it, each student takes on the role of an actual delegate and will reenact three of the most important moments of the entire convention. Using compromise and critical thinking, students will have to try and create consensus to score points, ultimately becoming “Father of the Constitution” by making sure their delegate’s ideas shape the final document. This is a fun, engaging, thought-provoking simulation for upper grade but can be adjusted for younger learners as well. This product contains handouts, teacher scorekeeping sheets, delegate profiles and detailed instructions to make sure you are your students get the most from this fun activity.