Explain that the American flag has 50 stars for the states and 13 stripes for the original colonies, but the first flag created for the Declaration of Independence had only 13 stars for the original colonies. Assign a flag craft by gluing together craft sticks, but explain that this flag will not have the same number of stripes as the American flag. First ask the young children to paint five craft sticks red with tempura paint. Then, paint four sticks white. Glue them together after they dry, alternating the colors. Place white stickers on a small blue square of construction paper and glue it to the top left corner of the striped craft sticks. Add two craft sticks to the bottom left of the flag to hold it up.
Older elementary school students should read William Wadsworth Longfellow's poem titled, "Paul Revere's Ride," to learn more about the famous ride on April 18, 1775. Afterward, students should create a three-dimensional diorama map on cardboard depicting Paul's Revere's ride, which started in Lexington and ended in Charlestown by the Mystic River. Students will paint the roads with tempura paint and add landmarks, such as the Hancock-Clark house, with cardboard. The river is painted blue and students can glue on model grass and trees.
Set up a debate between the loyalists, who were siding with Britain, and the patriots, who wanted to secede from Britain and gain American independence. Divide students into two groups after they read about the causes and history behind the American Revolution. One group will be the loyalists in Boston during the early 1770s, and the other group will be the patriots during the same time period. One speaker from each group introduces the debate. Then, alternating between the two groups, each group member speaks regarding the issues.
Read over the original text of the Declaration of Independence that was signed on July 4, 1776. Discuss with high school students what is actually written in the text and what kind of topics were missing, such as the slavery issue. Assign the class the task of rewriting the Declaration of Independence. Divide the students to work on different sections. After the class comes up with its own document, hold a special signing day with the new text.