Hilltop School's fourth graders recently stepped back in time to consider the question, “Should the American colonies declare independence from Britain?” To answer this question, partners researched the life of a famous Patriot or Loyalist, then took on that person’s perspective to participate in a panel debate between Patriots and Loyalists. To paraphrase a fourth-grade participant when reflecting on the experience afterward, “I realized that both sides had reasons for what they believed in or supported.”
This activity gave students lessons on history, civics, public speaking, and understanding varying perspectives. Our use of the TCI Social Studies curriculum has expanded the horizons of our students!
