Activity Overview
A great way to introduce students to significant events and documents is to have them answer the 5 Ws (Who Where What When Why). Together, the answers provide an analysis that can be used as a base for further exploration.
In this activity, students will use a spider map to analyze the Common Sense pamphlet and it's effects on the events leading up to the American Revolution. The analysis be done prior to reading Common Sense, as it will allow students to understand the historical significance of this book before they analyze Paine's specific arguments. It also introduces students to some of the key figures and groups that helped drive the Revolution, and situates the document within historical context.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a 5W analysis of the Common Sense pamphlet: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title box for each cell, type Who, What, When, Where and Why.
- In the descriptions, answer the question.
- Create an image for each cell with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The student clearly, thoroughly, accurately chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. | The student chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. Some of the information is clear, thorough, and accurate. | The who, what, where, when, and why questions and answers are incomplete, confusing, or inaccurate. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the written information using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the written information, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the written information. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
A great way to introduce students to significant events and documents is to have them answer the 5 Ws (Who Where What When Why). Together, the answers provide an analysis that can be used as a base for further exploration.
In this activity, students will use a spider map to analyze the Common Sense pamphlet and it's effects on the events leading up to the American Revolution. The analysis be done prior to reading Common Sense, as it will allow students to understand the historical significance of this book before they analyze Paine's specific arguments. It also introduces students to some of the key figures and groups that helped drive the Revolution, and situates the document within historical context.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a 5W analysis of the Common Sense pamphlet: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title box for each cell, type Who, What, When, Where and Why.
- In the descriptions, answer the question.
- Create an image for each cell with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The student clearly, thoroughly, accurately chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. | The student chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. Some of the information is clear, thorough, and accurate. | The who, what, where, when, and why questions and answers are incomplete, confusing, or inaccurate. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the written information using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the written information, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the written information. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about 5 Ws of Common Sense Activity
Engage Students with a Historical Role-Play Debate on Common Sense
Spark critical thinking by organizing a role-play debate where students take on the perspectives of colonists, Loyalists, and Patriots after reading Common Sense. This interactive approach helps students grasp multiple viewpoints and deepens their understanding of the pamphlet's impact.
Assign roles to students representing different colonial viewpoints.
Promote empathy by having students embody Patriots, Loyalists, or undecided colonists. This encourages them to consider diverse perspectives and motivations during the American Revolution.
Provide guiding questions for each role.
Support structured discussion by preparing questions tailored to each viewpoint, such as: 'How does Common Sense affect your opinion about independence?'. This keeps the debate focused and meaningful.
Facilitate a classroom debate using respectful speaking protocols.
Encourage participation by setting clear rules for turn-taking and respectful listening. This ensures all voices are heard and helps maintain a positive classroom environment.
Reflect on the activity with a short student writing prompt.
Deepen understanding by asking students to write a brief reflection on how their assigned role influenced their views of Common Sense. This step reinforces learning and personal connection to history.
Frequently Asked Questions about 5 Ws of Common Sense Activity
What are the 5 Ws and how can they be used to analyze the Common Sense pamphlet?
The 5 Ws—Who, What, When, Where, and Why—are questions that help students break down and analyze historical texts like Common Sense. By answering each W, students identify key details about the document, which aids in understanding its context and significance before diving into its arguments.
How do I create a 5 Ws spider map for the Common Sense activity?
To create a 5 Ws spider map, start by labeling five sections: Who, What, When, Where, and Why. In each section, answer the corresponding question about Common Sense and add images or symbols that represent each idea. This visual organizer helps students connect information and visualize the pamphlet's impact.
Why is it helpful to analyze Common Sense using the 5 Ws before reading it?
Analyzing Common Sense with the 5 Ws before reading helps students build background knowledge, understand its historical significance, and recognize the major figures and events involved. This preparation makes the text’s arguments and context clearer when students read Paine's work.
What is the historical significance of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense for students?
Common Sense by Thomas Paine played a key role in persuading American colonists to support independence from Britain. Learning about its impact helps students understand how ideas and documents can influence major historical events like the American Revolution.
What are some tips for making the 5 Ws activity engaging for middle and high school students?
To make the 5 Ws activity engaging, encourage students to use creative images, work in groups or individually, and discuss their answers. Incorporating visuals, real-world connections, and class discussions can increase interest and deepen understanding of Common Sense.
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