April Morning

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What factors contributed to the conflict between the colonists and the British that caused the Revolutionary War? Why might colonists have felt as though they were mistreated by the British government?

Teaching Suggestion: Adam Cooper and his family live in Lexington, Massachusetts, just before the Battle of Lexington and Concord officially kicks off the Revolutionary War. Consider discussing the events that led up to the Revolutionary War and the colonists’ feelings toward Great Britain. The resources below may help students understand the American Revolution and delve into specific events that caused unrest in colonial America.

• This article describes the events that led up to the Revolutionary War.
• This 10-minute video provides a brief overview of the American Revolution.

2. What is a militia? Why might colonial Americans have felt the need to maintain the right to a militia? What are the possible reasons for the right to a militia that are stated in the Second Amendment?

Teaching Suggestion: When the townspeople of Lexington are forewarned of the invasion of British troops, Adam and his father, Moses, enlist in the local militia to protect their land and their freedom. Consider discussing what a militia is, why the colonials felt the need for a militia, and how militias are addressed in the Second Amendment. The resources below may help students explore the rise of militias and minutemen in the colonies and understand the Second Amendment.

• This article describes the rise of militias and minutemen during the Revolutionary War.
• This 5-minute video explores the reasoning behind the Second Amendment.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the text.

Think of a time when you put yourself at risk by standing up for something you believed in. How did it feel at that moment? Did you have people around you who supported your decision, or did you have to make it on your own? What advice would you give someone who may find themselves in a similar situation?

Teaching Suggestion: Adam’s decision to sign up for the local militia is frowned upon by his family members, but his father permits him to enlist despite the danger. Once students have a chance to respond independently, the class might discuss connected topics in small groups such as difficult decisions with high-risk consequences and making decisions without support systems; the larger group might cap the activity by brainstorming advice that might be shared when students feel the need to stand up for something they believe in.