Title – Taxation Without Representation

By – Lindsey Olson

Primary Subject – Social Studies

Grade Level – 4-7

This lesson was a great hands-on way for my students to learn how early colonists felt about being taxed without representation. A small portion of the class will act as the British and impose taxes on the students acting as the colonists. I used small candy hearts as the money and I gave the “colonists” a handful at the start of the lesson.

You will need to prepare 4-5 students (British) before hand during a recess or other free time. Explain to them that they will be allowed to “tax” the other students by taking a vote among themselves. You may need to give them some prior knowledge to help them impose taxes on their classmates. I explained some of the taxes that the British forced on the colonists. Allow the students to come up with their own taxes that they can collect. Examples: Chair Tax (3 pieces of candy), Paper Tax (2 pieces of candy), Red Crayon Tax 2 pieces of candy), Milk Tax (4 pieces of candy), etc. I also had the students impose an Unruly Student Tax (5 pieces of candy) that was used for children who were whining or complaining. This worked great to keep the class quiet throughout the fun and possibly talkative activity.

During the activity, have the “colonists” work on a crossword puzzle or coloring pages. Each time the “British” impose a tax they will take the required amount of candy from the “colonists.” The teacher can monitor the work of the students. Those working hard may receive a small “wage” of one or two pieces of candy.

Allow the activity to continue long enough that the children feel slightly angry about the “taxes.” Then, have the students write a paragraph about their feelings during the lesson. They should also write about how the colonists reacted to being taxed without representation.

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