Activity Overview
There are many books related to American Revolution that can help students better visualize and understand the time period. Some short picture books can be used as whole class read-alouds, where other longer books can be used as longer novel studies. In this activity, students will create a plot summary of the book using visuals and descriptions. Students should describe the main events and details from the beginning, middle and end of the story in a narrative storyboard of about 4-8 cells, using images and text to recreate scenes from the book.
Here are some examples of literature that relate to American Revolution:
- Can’t You Make Them Behave, King George? By Jean Fritz
- George vs. George: The American Revolution as seen from Both Sides by Rosalyn Schanzer
- Colonial Voices Hear Them Speak by Kay Winters, Illustrated by Larry Day
- Paul Revere’s Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Illustrated by Ted Rand
- The American Revolution for Kids by Janis Herbert
- Blastback, A Peek Into the Past: The American Revolution by Nancy Ohlin
- The Split History of the American Revolution by Michael Burgan
- I Survived The American Revolution, 1776 by Lauren Tarshis
- Freedom Trail Pop Up Book of Boston by Denise D. Price
- If You Were a Kid During the American Revolution by Wil Mara
- What Is the Declaration of Independence? (What Was?) by Michael C. Harris
- You Wouldn't Want to Be at the Boston Tea Party! by Peter Cook
- DK Eyewitness Books: American Revolution: Discover How a Few Patriots Battled a Mighty Empire from the Boston Massacre to the Birth of a New Nation by Stuart Murray
- America's Black Founders: Revolutionary Heroes and Early Leaders by Nancy I. Sanders
- Answering the Cry for Freedom: Stories of African Americans and the American Revolution by Gretchen Woelfle
- The Role of Women in the American Revolution by Baby Professor
- Native Americans in the American Revolution: How the War Divided, Devastated, and Transformed the Early American Indian World by Ethan A.. Schmidt
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Summarize the story in a 4-8 cell storyboard describing the main events in the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
Student Instructions
- Read the story.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create a 4-8 cell storyboard with descriptions and illustrations showing the sequence of major events in the story.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
There are many books related to American Revolution that can help students better visualize and understand the time period. Some short picture books can be used as whole class read-alouds, where other longer books can be used as longer novel studies. In this activity, students will create a plot summary of the book using visuals and descriptions. Students should describe the main events and details from the beginning, middle and end of the story in a narrative storyboard of about 4-8 cells, using images and text to recreate scenes from the book.
Here are some examples of literature that relate to American Revolution:
- Can’t You Make Them Behave, King George? By Jean Fritz
- George vs. George: The American Revolution as seen from Both Sides by Rosalyn Schanzer
- Colonial Voices Hear Them Speak by Kay Winters, Illustrated by Larry Day
- Paul Revere’s Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Illustrated by Ted Rand
- The American Revolution for Kids by Janis Herbert
- Blastback, A Peek Into the Past: The American Revolution by Nancy Ohlin
- The Split History of the American Revolution by Michael Burgan
- I Survived The American Revolution, 1776 by Lauren Tarshis
- Freedom Trail Pop Up Book of Boston by Denise D. Price
- If You Were a Kid During the American Revolution by Wil Mara
- What Is the Declaration of Independence? (What Was?) by Michael C. Harris
- You Wouldn't Want to Be at the Boston Tea Party! by Peter Cook
- DK Eyewitness Books: American Revolution: Discover How a Few Patriots Battled a Mighty Empire from the Boston Massacre to the Birth of a New Nation by Stuart Murray
- America's Black Founders: Revolutionary Heroes and Early Leaders by Nancy I. Sanders
- Answering the Cry for Freedom: Stories of African Americans and the American Revolution by Gretchen Woelfle
- The Role of Women in the American Revolution by Baby Professor
- Native Americans in the American Revolution: How the War Divided, Devastated, and Transformed the Early American Indian World by Ethan A.. Schmidt
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Summarize the story in a 4-8 cell storyboard describing the main events in the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
Student Instructions
- Read the story.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create a 4-8 cell storyboard with descriptions and illustrations showing the sequence of major events in the story.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
How Tos about American Revolutionary War Literature
Plan a Themed Book Display to Spark Interest
Arrange a special area in your classroom to showcase Revolutionary War books with creative decorations. Highlight different titles and authors to encourage curiosity and make it easy for students to select reading material that supports your lesson.
Introduce Each Book with a Brief Hook
Share a quick, exciting fact or question about each book before students pick one. This grabs attention and helps students connect with the themes of the American Revolution before they begin reading.
Guide Students to Set a Reading Purpose
Ask students to think about what they hope to learn or discover from their chosen book. Setting a purpose helps readers stay focused and engaged as they explore the story.
Support Visual Storyboarding for All Readers
Provide templates, example storyboards, and access to drawing tools or digital programs. Scaffold the process so students of all abilities can participate and creatively express their understanding of the book.
Facilitate a Gallery Walk to Share Storyboards
Invite students to display their finished storyboards and walk around to view each other’s work. This celebrates creativity and allows students to learn from different perspectives on Revolutionary War literature.
Frequently Asked Questions about American Revolutionary War Literature
What are some engaging American Revolutionary War books for elementary students?
Popular American Revolutionary War books for elementary students include Can’t You Make Them Behave, King George? by Jean Fritz, George vs. George by Rosalyn Schanzer, Paul Revere’s Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and I Survived The American Revolution, 1776 by Lauren Tarshis. These titles help students visualize the period with relatable stories and illustrations.
How can I teach the American Revolution through literature in my classroom?
To teach the American Revolution through literature, select age-appropriate books, read them aloud or assign them as novel studies, and engage students with activities like plot storyboards that summarize key events using images and text. This fosters comprehension and historical empathy.
What is a plot storyboard activity for Revolutionary War books?
A plot storyboard activity involves students creating a sequence of 4–8 illustrated cells that summarize the beginning, middle, and end of a Revolutionary War book. Each cell should include brief descriptions and visuals to represent major events and character actions.
Why use storyboards to summarize historical novels in grades 4-6?
Storyboards help students in grades 4-6 break down complex historical novels into manageable parts, improving comprehension, sequencing skills, and creativity by combining reading, writing, and art in a single activity.
What are the best ways to help students understand the American Revolution using picture books?
The best ways to use picture books for teaching the American Revolution include read-aloud sessions, discussing key events and perspectives, and having students recreate scenes with their own drawings and summaries to deepen understanding.
More Storyboard That Activities
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