Lesson Plan - A Meeting That Changed History

Watch the Video
Watch the video “Newsie’s Challenge: The U.S. Constitution” for a fun interactive primer on the Constitution. After reading the article, challenge students to write their own game show-style questions.

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Word to Know.

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Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about how the First Continental Congress changed history.

1. According to the article, why were many people in the 13 Colonies angry in 1774?
According to the article, many people in the 13 Colonies were angry in 1774 because they didn’t like having to follow laws set by the British government.
^{(RI.3.2 Main Idea and Key Details)}

2. Based on the article, how did the First Continental Congress change history?
The First Continental Congress changed history because it was the first time Americans in the 13 Colonies worked together. It was the start of the 13 Colonies becoming 13 states.
^{(RI.3.5 Cause/Effect)}

3. What is the purpose of the map that appears with the article?
The map that appears with the article is included to show the names and locations of the 13 British Colonies at the time of the First Continental Congress.
^{(RI.3.7 Text Features)}

FEATURED SKILL: Writing
Use the skill builder “Write the Rules!” to have students collaborate on a classroom constitution outlining goals and rules for the year.
^{(W.3.4 Production of Writing)}