Examining Our History: American Revolution

Lesson 14
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 4

4th Grade

Lesson 14 of 24

Objective


Analyze why the Declaration of Independence was written and who it represented. 

Readings and Materials


  • Book: A Young People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn, Adapted by Rebecca Stefoff  pp. 67 – 70

  • Book: Liberty! How the Revolutionary War Began by Lucille Recht Penner  pp. 34 – 37

Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Writing Prompt

Why was the Declaration of Independence written and who did it represent? 

Sample Response

Create a free account or sign in to view Sample Response

Key Questions


  • Why was the word "independence" both beautiful and frightening to most colonists? (Liberty!)

  • What principles of human freedom did the Declaration of Independence proclaim? (Liberty!)

  • According to Zinn, what were the key ideas that are included in the Declaration of Independence? (A Young People's History

  • Who did the Declaration of Independence include? Why? (A Young People's History

Vocabulary


tyranny

n.

(p. 68)

a government where all the power belongs to one person (A Young People's History)

authorized

v.

(p. 35)

to give power or permission to (Liberty!)

oppression

n.

(p. 68)

harsh or unfair acts or demands by a government or other group in charge (A Young People's History)

Enhanced Lesson Plan

Fishtank Plus Content

Bring your most engaging lessons to life with comprehensive instructional guidance, detailed pacing, supports to meet every student's needs, and resources to strengthen your lesson planning and delivery.

Common Core Standards


  • RI.4.2 — Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.
  • RI.4.3 — Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.
  • SL.4.1 — Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 4 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

Supporting Standards

L.4.4
L.4.6
RF.4.3
RF.4.4
RI.4.1
RI.4.4
RI.4.10
W.4.9.b
W.4.10
icon/arrow/right/large copy

Lesson 13

icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson 15

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Access rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free