Younger kids (kindergarten through grade four) are most comfortable learning about the people involved in the Revolution and not necessarily the battles or deaths. Have the kids wear costumes and share short biographies of the Founding Fathers, such as George Washington. Re-enact Paul Revere’s ride and tell the kids about Israel Bissel, who actually completed the ride. Cut out and make a replica of the first American flag and talk about what the stars and stripes mean.
Another fun project that displays how revolutionary times differed from modern times is to have the students try to write a few passages from the Declaration of Independence using quill pens and washable ink. When you have the document all copied and done, have each child sign it. Bake some cookies from colonial American recipes and sit around in a circle sharing the treats and telling stories of the Revolution and the people involved.
Older kids can create a PowerPoint presentation complete with animation, narration, images and facts to justify the revolution to its critics. Have them incorporate portions of the Declaration of Independence and other documents into the presentation. The audience, divided into foes and allies of the Revolution, could ask the presenters questions. Together the group could discuss the Revolution and its ramifications, with both sides using source documents to supplement the discussion.
Another fun project for kids combines history and technology. Have the kids go online and visit NeoK12.com's section about the American Revolution. The site has quizzes, interactive games, puzzles and videos. Learning about the American Revolution through play helps the information stay with the kids longer and may even develop a life-long interest in understanding the freedoms for which the Revolution was fought.
A good hands-on project recreates punched "tin lanterns" that were used during the Revolution, possibly even in the Old North Tower to signal Paul Revere. Since punching actual tin with a hammer and nails may be too difficult and dangerous for kids, replace it with cardboard instead. Cut five pieces of heavy cardboard so that they are all the same size. Draw a design in dots on four of the pieces making sure that there is a hole at the top of each piece. Using a single hole-punch, punch out the dots on each piece of cardboard. Paint each piece, making sure the holes are kept clear and 1/2 inch along all sides except the top is kept unpainted. Allow the pieces to dry. Fold the 1/2 inch along the base of each cardboard piece and along the sides and crease sharply. Glue the designed pieces to the base and along each side. Allow the glue to dry. Attach thin wire to each piece securely with glue, tape or a knot and thread it through the top holes. Bring the wires together at the top of the lantern and wrap them into a hook. Place a small LED light inside the lantern and turn it on. Light will stream out of the holes.
Another way to present the Revolution is to have kids re-enact important moments such as Valley Forge, signing the Declaration, or Cornwallis’s surrender at Yorktown. Highlight this activity with quotes from primary sources. To make this activity more fun, have the kids compete to see who can make the most authentic costume. They can even share this presentation with younger children and let them play parts as well.