one neat idea, (long)

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Home : 2001 : August : 26

one neat idea, (long)
By Krissy

I worked as an aide this past year and here's what one teacher did to introduce "Taxation without Representation." This activity really got the class fired up and able to understand the plight of the colonists as they went
to war. She staged this activity in advance and the students knew NOTHING about it. They believed every bit of it...
She typed up a letter on school letterhead and gave it to the school secretary in advance. She had the secretary come in at the beginning of class and give her the letter. The secretary said "This is from the principal, effective immediately." Next, the students

wanted to know what was going on so the teacher read the letter:

Dear School Staff and students:
Due to shortages in funding, all students will now have to pay a 10 cent fee for all paper used. The fee is per sheet and must be paid in advance or a detention will be assigned. Students failing to comply will receive a failing grade.
Sincerely,
Principal

The students knew thought there was a test scheduled that day and were getting ready for it. Now they were being told that they must pay 50 cents for the test or fail. I went around to collect change and get ready to hand out the paper. Students were upset as they tried to dig in their pockets or borrow from friends. They were so mad. "How can they make up pay!?" they said.

Next, after students threatened to call parents and transfer schools, the teacher told them the truth...

"How would you feel about this? The principal was acting like the King when he was trying to charge you for something that you had been using free all along." Thus, taxation without representation. The students could then immediately understand how the colonists felt and as they went into the unit on the Revolutionary War, this feeling stayed with them.

The reason I LOVED this activity is because it made it so meaningful to them. Also, these kids were so fired up and angry. When they found out, they loved it.