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:
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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.