📖

The Boston Tea Party: Colonists Protest

Birth of a Nation: Road to Independence

Day 63of 180
Week 13of 36
25Minutes
← Day 62Day 63 of 180Day 64 →
🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand how colonists peacefully protested unfair British taxes

2

Learn about the Boston Tea Party historical event

3

Recognize peaceful ways to stand up for what is right

📖 Scripture Connection

Proverbs 31:8-9

“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy.”

— Proverbs 31:8-9 (WEB)

Standing up for fairness and justice, just like the colonists did

📦 Materials Needed

  • Blue construction paper
  • White paper tea bags
  • Brown markers
  • Scissors
  • Glue sticks
  • Large map of Boston
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Gather students and show a picture of Boston Harbor. Ask what they know about tea and why people might protest.

💭 Review Question: Have you ever felt something wasn't fair?
2Teaching (10 min)

Tell story of Boston Tea Party using child-friendly language, explaining how colonists dressed as Native Americans to protest unfair British taxes by dumping tea into the harbor.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Colonists were not allowed to vote
  • Britain was charging high taxes
  • Peaceful protest showed their disagreement
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • Why did the colonists wear disguises?
  • How did they show they were unhappy?
  • What is a fair way to solve problems?
3Activity: Tea Party Protest Craft (7 min)
hands-on craft

Create a Boston Harbor tea protest scene using paper and art supplies

📝 Instructions:
  1. Draw blue water on construction paper
  2. Cut out paper 'tea boxes'
  3. Glue tea boxes falling into water
  4. Draw small boats in harbor
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Pre-cut shapes for younger students

Challenge: Add historical details to artwork

4Closing (3 min)

Discuss how people can stand up for what is right peacefully

📝 Review Questions:
  • What happened at the Boston Tea Party?
  • Why were the colonists upset?
  • How can we be kind when solving problems?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear Jesus, help us be brave and kind when things seem unfair. Teach us to speak up with love.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn about the first battles of the Revolutionary War

💎 Memory Verse

Proverbs 31:8

“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.”

— Proverbs 31:8 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Whisper verse, then gradually increase volume

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

The Boston Tea Party was a key event leading to American independence

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Use simple language
  • Emphasize peaceful protest
  • Connect to children's experiences of fairness
🤔 Common Struggles:

Understanding complex historical concepts

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Child's ability to explain basic protest concept

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Read children's book about Boston Tea Party
  • Make tea bag craft at home
  • Role-play peaceful problem-solving scenarios

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 64 →Back to History & Social Studies