One of my favorite anticipatory sets was an interactive experience centered around the Revolutionary War. Before beginning the literacy unit, I assigned each student a role representing different people from that era—ranging from the king to tax collectors to everyday colonists. Students read from prepared slips of paper and acted out events from the time period. They became fully immersed in the experience, developing emotional reactions and a deeper understanding of how various individuals might have felt during that time. This activity sparked genuine interest, with many students eager to learn more and dive into further research. Although I no longer teach this grade level, my colleagues continue to use this experience each year—even involving our principal to play the role of the king.
