LESSON PLAN OUTLINE

JMU Elementary Education Program

Evelyn Payne
Carrie Lillard, 4th grade, Mountain View Elementary School
March 20th at 2:05pm
March 4th

A. Simulation of the Battle of Yorktown/Social Studies

B. CONTEXT OF LESSON
I personally am not able to do a pre-assessment on this lesson plan since these students travel
from another classroom to do social studies with my cooperating teacher. However, the students will
have spent the past week working with the Revolutionary War. They should have the prior knowledge
needed to answer the discussion questions in the engagement portion of the lesson. Within the past
week prior to my lesson; they will have studied the reasons for the Revolutionary War, the different
parties involved, as well as the important figures during the war. In a way, the discussion questions in
the engagement portion of the lesson will be a type of pre-assessment. They will make sure that each
student has the base knowledge of the Revolutionary War to understand how America won and why it
was such a significant battle.

This is an appropriate activity for these students at this time, because it will help to wrap up
their unit on the Revolutionary War. It also covers many of the aspects in the VS.5 section of the
Virginia Social Studies fourth grade SOLs. The activity describes Americas, Frances, and Great
Britains role in the war; as well as important historical figures from each of the armies. The class will
be finishing a unit on the role of Virginia in the New American Nation. This lesson will help to set the
stage for the beginning of that lesson with America gaining its independence. These are also the
reasons this lesson fits into the curriculum sequence.

This lesson was planned around the idea of Constructivism. According to Powerful Social
Studies for Elementary Students, this theory states that children create understanding and knowledge
through actively engaging with the curriculum and relating to it. The textbook also states that students
collaborate as a learning community and construct shared knowledge as a group through sustained
dialogue. Reenacting the Battle of Yorktown allows the students to work hands on with the different
events in the battle, as well as follow through with the actual strategies the different armies used
during the Revolutionary War. The closure portion of the lesson requires students to go back and
reflect on this experience to make sure they grasped the key concepts. All of these steps allow the
students to work together as a community and relive the Battle of Yorktown as realistically as possible.

Brophy, J. E., Alleman, J., & Halvorsen, A. (2013). Powerful social studies for elementary
students (3rd ed.). Belmont (Ca.): Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

C. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Understand
The students will understand how the
Revolutionary War greatly impacted
the world and changed Americas
future drastically; specifically with
the significance of Americas win at
the Battle of Yorktown.
Know
1. The students will know who
George Washington, Charles
Cornwallis, James
Lafayette, and French
General de Rochambeau
are; as well as which
nation they fought for.
2. The students will know
Do
1. The students will reenact the
Battle of Yorktown.
2. The students will identify the
three nations that took part in
this battle.
3. The students will identify the
roles of George Washington,
 why France sided with
America in the
Revolutionary War.
3. The students will know
how and why America won
the Battle of Yorktown.
4. The students will know why
the Battle of Yorktown was a
significant win in the entirety
of the Revolutionary War.
James Lafayette, Charles
Cornwallis, and French
General de Rochambeau in
the battle.
4. The students will
determine why America
won and why this battle
was an important victory in
the American Revolution.

D. ASSESSING LEARNING
In order to assess the students on their achievement of the above learning objectives, the whole class
will participate in an open discussion about the lesson that was just completed. Students will be asked
a series of questions ranging from straight forward to some that require higher level thinking. The
questions include:
1. Who fought at the battle of Yorktown?
-America/Patriots, France, and England/Loyalists
2. Who were the important people in each army?
-George Washington, James Lafayette, Lord Cornwallis, General de Rochambeau
3. Why/How did America win the battle of Yorktown?
-Alliance with France, fought on home territory, strong will to gain independence
4. Do you think America would have won without the help of the French?
-Open ended, maybe say no since they would have had no navy and no way to surround Lord
Cornwallis on the York River
5. What would have happened if America lost the revolution?
-Open ended, wouldnt have gained independence then but could have gotten it later. Or, we could
still be under the control of England today with a whole different flag, currency, customs, laws, and
government.

E. RELATED VIRGINIA STANDARDS OF LEARNING (and NATIONAL STANDARDS if required)

VS.5 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the role of Virginia in the American
Revolution by
a) identifying the reasons why the colonies went to war with Great Britain, as expressed in the
Declaration of Independence
c) identifying the importance of the American victory at Yorktown.

F. MATERIALS NEEDED
White Paper: Evelyn Payne
Markers: Evelyn Payne
Computer (for music): Carrie Lillard
Poster Board: Evelyn Payne
Name Tags: Evelyn Payne

G. PROCEDURE
Engage:
Today I am going to teach about the Battle of Yorktown. The Battle of Yorktown was one of
the last battles in the Revolutionary War and it was fought in 1781. Before we start, I want to
see what prior knowledge you have of the Revolutionary War since Mrs. Lillard has been
 teaching you all about it. Lets start with a question. What were the causes of the
Revolutionary War and who was the fighting between?

I will not be there to do a pre-assessment, so I have little knowledge of the students

experiences with the Revolutionary War. Generally, I am hoping they would answer with,
The Revolutionary War was America revolting to gain their independence from England. The
war was mainly between America and Great Britain. If students do not have this prior
knowledge, I will tell them.

The Revolutionary War was between America and England. Most of the people living in
America believed that England was treating them unfairly, and they wanted to be their own
independent nation. Does anyone know how England treated America unfairly?
Various responses to this include; heavy taxation, taxation without representation, being
forced to house British troops, and being forced to pay for the French and Indian War.

England placed heavy taxes on Americas for everyday goods; like stamps, tea, and paper.
One goal was to help pay for the French and Indian War. Americans did not like this because
they did not believe that they should have to pay for the war. They were also upset because
they had no representation in Englands parliament, which is Englands form of government.
One other country stepped in during the Revolutionary War and was a major help during the
Battle of Yorktown. Does anyone know what country that was?

Students could give the correct answer and say that France aided America in the war, however,
they may not have the prior knowledge to know that.

France stepped in and helped out America during the Revolutionary War. Does anyone know
why France would offer to help us and not help England?

Ideally, the students should have already learned about the French and Indian War. The goal of
this question is to have them make the connection between past conflicts between England and
France, which lead to the alliance between France and America in the Revolutionary War.
Students have covered this information in previous lessons, so they should already have this
prior knowledge.

From 1754 to 1763 was the French and Indian War. This war was France and Native
Americans fighting against England and their colonies. Both countries felt that the newly
discovered land in North America belonged to them, so they fought over it. England ended up
winning and taking a lot of territory away from France, which really upset France. Past
conflicts with England is what lead France to side with America during the Revolutionary
War. This was a huge help to America, because since we were a new country we did not have
a navy or a lot of supplies in order to fight. France donated lots of money and military
support.

Implementation of the lesson (specific procedures and directions for teacher and students):
Now that we have covered the basics, we are going to reenact the Battle of Yorktown. In this
bag I have slips of paper. Each paper is either marked F, A, or B. If your paper has an F on it,
youre in the French army and youre going to stand over by the window. If your paper has an
A on it, youre in the Continental Army and youre going to stand by Mrs. Lillards desk. If
your paper has a B on it, youre in Great Britains army and youre going to stay on the carpet
here. Once everyone has picked a slip of paper and stood in the correct spot, I will continue
directions.

Every student will follow directions. Now, four of you have a special piece of paper with a
name on it. If you have that paper, can you raise your hand and step forward. Please read what
your piece of paper says. The names will be George Washington, Charles Cornwallis (Lord
Cornwallis), French General de Rochambeau, and James Lafayette.

George Washington was the leader of the Continental Army, which was Americas military at
the time. You will be leading your team during the reenactment. James Lafayette was a slave
who helped America win the war by bringing back important stolen information to the
Continental Army. Charles Cornwallis, also known as Lord Cornwallis, lead Great Britains
army. You will lead the British army during the reenactment. French General de Rochambeau
helped to lead Frances army. You will lead your group during the reenactment. If any of you
dont want this role, you are allowed to switch spots with someone else on your team;
however you may only do that now.

If you look around, each poster board has a place written on it. These places are where
significant battles took place, and where the different militaries traveled to during the war. I
will be the narrator during the reenactment. I will set the scene at each major event and pose
questions that you all, as armies, that allow you all to choose what happens next. You are
allowed to work as a team to answer the questions; however it should be your leaders that give
me the final answer. Each of you should have your slips of paper still in your hands. Please
crumble it up. This will act as your fighting tool during the reenactment. When fighting
begins, you are allowed to gently toss them above the heads of the other army. We are not
going to throw them forcefully, or intentionally aim them at the faces of the other students. If
it gets to be a problem, we will throw the paper out. I will play music as we participate in the
reenactment.

Once the roles and directions have been set, the simulation will begin:

It is now the year 1779. The Revolutionary War has been going on for four years, and it
seems there is no end in sight. The Continental Army has 48,000 men fighting for their cause.
The British army has 22,000 men and 25,000 Loyalists, colonists who sided with Britain, to
suppress the rebellion. The Patriots would stop at nothing to gain their freedom from the
crown.
In 1778, France signed a treaty with the colonies and agreed to support them during the
Revolutionary War. This added about 12,000 soldiers and a whole fleet of ships to their
military. Since the colonies were fairly new, they did not have a fleet of their own. Frances
ships were a major asset to the Continental Army.
Much of the fighting has been taking place in the north. Fighting breaks out in the colonies of
Rhode Island, New York, and Philadelphia (pause and wait for students to fight). After many
battle, the two militaries are at a stalemate, also known as a tie. Both sides have experienced
great victories, and tragic losses. Meanwhile, in the southern colonies, more and more
rebellions pop up. Great Britain and the Crown are angered by the colonists disrespect.
Lord Cornwallis and the British army, you must make a decision on where to go from here.
Will you stay in the north and continue to fight, losing more and more troops. Or will you
travel to the southern colonies and suppress the rebellions there?

The students will either choose to go or stay.

Go South: Move onto card two

Stay: Lord Cornwallis and the British army decide to stay in the northern colonies and begin
to fight. After suffering a few more losses, they are forced to travel down south and go to the
colony of South Carolina.

Britains army arrives in South Carolina. They hope to take control of some of the
major colonies in the south, and work their way up to the north. On May 12, 1780, a
battle between the loyalists and the patriots breaks out (pause and wait for students to
fight).
The British Army defeats the colonists and South Carolina is forced to surrender to
the Crown. On August 16, 1780, Americans forces are yet again crushed and defeated
in South Carolina. That same year, Rochambeau and the French Army arrive in Rhode
Island to join the Americans cause.
General de Rochambeau and the French Army, will you join the mighty fight and aid
the Americans in the south after their two major losses? Or will you stay in the north
and wait?

The students will either choose to go, or stay.

Go South: Move to card 3.

Stay: On October 7, 1780, the Patriots manage to defeat the loyalists with a major victory in
South Carolina. The win excites Rochambeau and the French army; enough so that they feel
inspired to join the cause and travel south to aid the patriots.

On March 15, 1781, British forces win yet another battle, but are badly wounded and
in the need of war supplies. The colony of Virginia is nearby. Virginia is the most
populated and wealthy colony in America. They have been sending supplies and
troops to the Carolinas to aid in the war.
Lord Cornwallis and the British Army, you have an important decision to make. Will
you stay in the Carolinas and continue to lose supplies? Or will you travel to Virginia
in the hopes to cut off the patriots supplies and capture a major colony?

Students will either choose to go, or stay.

Go to Virginia: Move to card 3.

Stay: Lord Cornwallis and the British Army stay in the Carolinas until supplies have nearly
vanished. However, he remembers that Yorktown is a port city in Virginia. They are on the
coast, and if he were to take it over then he could wait for England to deliver supplies there.
He decides to go to Yorktown.

On May 20, 1781, Lord Cornwallis arrives in Virginia. Cornwallis believes that if he can
defeat Virginia, Americas resistance to the Crown will end. He remembers that Yorktown is a
port city in Virginia. They are on the coast, and if he were to take it over then he could wait for
England to deliver supplies there.
On August 1, 1781, Cornwallis gain control of Yorktown. He uses the port as a base, and sets
up camp in order to wait for supplies to arrive. Lafayette, a slave and spy for the Continental
Army overhears the British armys plans and reports the news to George Washington.
George Washington and the Continental Army, what will you do with the information
Lafayette has given you? Will you stay where you are and let the British Army restock their
supplies? Or will you decide to fight them while they are weak?

Students will either choose to go or stay.

Go to Virginia: Move on to card 4.

Stay: George Washington and his army decide to stay in the Carolinas, until they hear of a
British ship just off the coast carrying supplies to Yorktown. For fear that the British Army
will become too strong once they receive those supplies, they rush to Virginia.

On August 19, 1781 Washington and his army begin to secretly move south (pause for
students to actually move). In September, they gather in Williamsburg, Virginia.
 The French Army and their fleet of trips travel down to Yorktown as well. On September 5,
1781, the British fleet and the French fleet clash, also known as fight, and a battle breaks out
(pause for students to fight).
In the end, the French fleet has a major win. This battle was especially important, because it
meant that the British at Yorktown had no reinforcements or supplies coming to their rescue.
From September 28 to October of 1781 the Battle of Yorktown takes places. Washington,
along with his army and the French army arrive in Yorktown on land. At the same time, the
French fleet surrounds Yorktown by sea. The Battle of Yorktown officially begins (pause for
students to fight)!
Is it now October 16, 1781. Cornwallis has lost many men, and the Continental Army is
quickly approaching their camp. He realizes that he will not receive supplies, and he tries to
flee Yorktown. When Cornwallis realizes he is surrounded, he waves the white flag on
October 17, 1781 and surrenders to the patriots.
Two years later, in 1783, the Treaty of Paris is signed and America officially gains its
independence from Great Britain!

Closure:
Now that we have finished, everyone please recycle your paper and gather on the carpet for
an ending discussion. Someone tell me who fought at the Battle of Yorktown and who were
the leaders of the different militaries.

Students should say, France, England, and American fought at the Battle of Yorktown. Lord
Cornwallis lead the British army, George Washington lead the Continental Army, French
General de Rochambeau lead Frances army, and James Lafayette was a spy during the war.

How did American win the Battle of Yorktown?

The students should say that the help of the French navy is what lead to America winning this
significant battle.

I want to make sure you all understand that this battle was not the end of the Revolutionary
War, however it was one of the last major battles and it was a very significant win for
America. The Revolutionary War did not actually end until the Treaty of Paris was signed in
1783. That was about two years after the Battle of Yorktown. Once the treaty was signed,
England officially recognized America its independence. What would have happened if
American had not won the battle and lost the entire Revolutionary War? What would America
be like today?

Since this question is pretty open-ended, I expect a wide variety of answers. My hope, is that
the students realize that America very well could still be under Englands control today if we
did not win the Revolutionary War. We would not have the same name we do, the same flag,
or the same way of living. We would simply be an extension of the country of England.

Thank you all for participating in this reenactment with me. I hope that actually acting out
the battle made it a more memorable and fun experience for you. You all may line up at the
door to return to your classroom.

Sources for Narrator Cards:

Battle of Yorktown Facts. (n.d.). Retrieved March 4, 2017, from http://www.american-

revolutionary-war-facts.com/American-Revolutionary-War-Battle-Facts/Battle-of-Yorktown-
Facts.html

Library of Virginia. (n.d.) Timeline of events: the battle of Yorktown [PDF File]. Available
from http://edu.lva.virginia.gov/online_classroom/Yorktown_Timeline.pdf
 Source for Worksheet:

Battle of Yorktown [map]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://lf-

oll.s3.amazonaws.com/titles/849/lf0439_figure_005.jpg

H. DIFFERENTIATION
The class I am teaching has three students with IEPs and three students who are English language
learners. To accommodate the ability of the students with IEPs, I will create a worksheet that has
important terms defined on it as well as a timeline of the important parts of the Battle of Yorktown. I
can provide the same worksheet for the English language learners if I feel they did not grasp the
concepts and learning objectives from the simulation as much as I wanted them too. They will have it
to look at throughout the lesson, as well as after to look back at the content whenever they want. Also,
they students will be working in large groups. They will have the support of their peers and team work
to communicate and work towards understanding of the content. There is a teachers aide that comes
in to work with the students, so there will be a total of three teachers during this lesson in order to help
any students that may need it. As for interest level, I feel that using a simulation will help make this
lesson appealing for all students.

I. WHAT COULD GO WRONG WITH THIS LESSON AND WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT?
The biggest concern with this lesson is that students could get over excited about the paper throwing
portion of the lesson. If students begin to get too violent or aggressive with one and other, I will
eliminate the paper and have students pretend for the fighting portion of the battle reenactment.
Another thing that could go wrong is that students dont feel motivated to actually engage with the
reenactment. In order to get students excited and motivated to learn, I will play appropriate songs from
the play Hamilton. I will also make sure, as the narrator, to add excitement and passion into the setting
of the scene. In the assessment portion of the lesson, if I feel like the students did not grasp the
different learning objectives as much as I wanted them too, I will take the worksheet from the
differentiation section above and pass out the worksheet to every student so they can review what we
covered.
Narrator Card #1
It is now the year 1779. The Revolutionary War has been going
on for four years, and it seems there is no end in sight. The
Continental Army has 48,000 men fighting for their cause. The
British army has 22,000 men and 25,000 Loyalists, colonists who
sided with Britain, to suppress the rebellion. The Patriots would
stop at nothing to gain their freedom from the crown.
In 1778, France signed a treaty with the colonies and agreed to
support them during the Revolutionary War. This added about 12,000
soldiers and a whole fleet of ships to their military. Since the
colonies were fairly new, they did not have a fleet of their own.
Frances ships were a major asset to the Continental Army.
Much of the fighting has been taking place in the north. Fighting
breaks out in the colonies of Rhode Island, New York, and
Philadelphia (pause and wait for students to fight). After many battle,
the two militaries are at a stalemate. Both sides have experienced
great victories, and tragic losses. Meanwhile, in the southern
colonies, more and more rebellions pop up. Great Britain and the
Crown are angered by the colonists disrespect.
Lord Cornwallis and the British army, you must make a decision
on where to go from here. Will you stay in the north and continue to
fight, losing more and more troops. Or will you travel to the southern
colonies and suppress the rebellions there?
Go South: Move onto card two
Stay: Lord Cornwallis and the British army decide to stay in the
northern colonies and begin to fight. After suffering a few more
losses, they are forced to travel down south and go to the colony of
South Carolina.
Narrator Card #2
Britains army arrives in South Carolina. They hope to take
control of some of the major colonies in the south, and work their
way up to the north. On May 12, 1780, a battle between the loyalists
and the patriots breaks out (pause and wait for students to fight).
The British Army defeats the colonists and South Carolina is
forced to surrender to the Crown. On August 16, 1780, Americans
forces are yet again crushed and defeated in South Carolina. That
same year, Rochambeau and the French Army arrive in Rhode Island
to join the Americans cause.
General de Rochambeau and the French Army, will you join the
mighty fight and aid the Americans in the south after their two major
losses? Or will you stay in the north and wait?
On March 15, 1781, British forces win yet another battle, but are
badly wounded and in the need of war supplies. The colony of
Virginia is nearby. Virginia is the most populated and wealthy colony
in America. They have been sending supplies and troops to the
Carolinas to aid in the war.
Lord Cornwallis and the British Army, you have an important
decision to make. Will you stay in the Carolinas and continue to lose
supplies? Or will you travel to Virginia in the hopes to cut off the
patriots supplies and capture a major colony?
Go South: Move to card 3.
Stay: On October 7, 1780, the Patriots manage to defeat the loyalists
with a major victory in South Carolina. The win excites Rochambeau
and the French army; enough so that they feel inspired to join the
cause and travel south to aid the patriots.

Go to Virginia: Move to card 3.

Stay: Lord Cornwallis and the British Army stay in the Carolinas until
supplies have nearly vanished. However, he remembers that
Yorktown is a port city in Virginia. They are on the coast, and if he
were to take it over then he could wait for England to deliver
supplies there. He decides to go to Yorktown.
Narrator Card #3
On May 20, 1781, Lord Cornwallis arrives in Virginia. Cornwallis
believes that if he can defeat Virginia, Americas resistance to the
Crown will end. He remembers that Yorktown is a port city in
Virginia. They are on the coast, and if he were to take it over then he
could wait for England to deliver supplies there.
On August 1, 1781, Cornwallis gain control of Yorktown. He
uses the port as a base, and sets up camp in order to wait for
supplies to arrive. Lafayette, a slave and spy for the Continental
Army overhears the British armys plans and reports the news to
George Washington.
George Washington and the Continental Army, what will you do
with the information Lafayette has given you? Will you stay where
you are and let the British Army restock their supplies? Or will you
decide to fight them while they are weak?
Go to Virginia: Move on to card 4.
Stay: George Washington and his army decide to stay in the
Carolinas, until they hear of a British ship just off the coast carrying
supplies to Yorktown. For fear that the British Army will become too
strong once they receive those supplies, they rush to Virginia.
Narrator Card #4
On August 19, 1781 Washington and his army begin to secretly
move south (pause for students to actually move). In September,
they gather in Williamsburg, Virginia.
The French Army and their fleet of trips travel down to Yorktown
as well. On September 5, 1781, the British fleet and the French fleet
clash and a battle breaks out (pause for students to fight).
In the end, the French fleet has a major win. This battle was
especially important, because it meant that the British at Yorktown
had no reinforcements or supplies coming to their rescue.
From September 28 to October of 1781 the Battle of Yorktown
takes places. Washington, along with his army and the French army
arrive in Yorktown on land. At the same time, the French fleet
surrounds Yorktown by sea. The Battle of Yorktown officially beings
(pause for students to fight)!
Is it now October 16, 1781. Cornwallis has lost many men, and
the Continental Army is quickly approaching their camp. He realizes
that he will not receive supplies, and he tries to flee Yorktown. When
Cornwallis realizes he is surrounded, he waves the white flag on
October 17, 1781 and surrenders to the patriots.

Two years later, in 1783, the Treaty of Paris is signed and

America officially gains its independence from Great Britain!

Name: __________________________________
Date: ______________
Battle of Yorktown
When:
September 28th, 1781 through October 19th, 1781

Why:
The patriots were fighting for their freedom from England

Who:
Patriots: People who sided with Americans and wanted to be independent from British rule.
Loyalists: People who sided with the crown and wanted America to be under British control.
George Washington: Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.
James Lafayette: A spy, who was also a slave, for the Continental Army.
Lord Cornwallis: Major general of the British Army during the Revolutionary War.
General de Rochambeau: A general for the French Army.

Where:

What:
This was the last major battle of the Revolutionary War
The battle between America and England
 France aided America with money and ships
Lord Cornwallis and the British army camped out at Yorktown in the hopes that England would send
ships and military supplies.
The Continental Army surrounded Lord Cornwallis on land, while the French surrounded him on the
York River
On October 17th, 1781 Lord Cornwallis and the British surrendered.
Lesson Implementation Reflection
As soon as possible after teaching your lesson, think about the experience. Use the questions/prompts below to
guide your thinking. Be thorough in your reflection and use specific examples to support your insights.

I. How did your actual teaching of the lesson differ from your plans? Describe the changes and explain why
you made them.

II. Based on the assessment you created, what can you conclude about your impact on student learning? Did
they learn? Who learned? What did they learn? What evidence can you offer that your conclusions are
valid?

III. Describe at least one way you could incorporate developmentally appropriate practice in a better or more
thorough way if you were to teach this lesson again.

IV. Based on the assessment data you collected, what would you do/teach next if you were the classroom
teacher?

V. As a result of planning and teaching this lesson, what have you learned or had reinforced about young
children as learners?

VI. As a result of planning and teaching this lesson, what have you learned or had reinforced about teaching?

VII. As a result of planning and teaching this lesson, what have you learned or had reinforced about yourself?