The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere: Fact vs. Fiction Camp
Read Longfellow's thrilling poem, "Paul Revere's Ride," discover the facts behind the fiction, and read what happened in Paul Revere's own words!
Wendy Shapard
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(117)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
The first two sessions of class will focus on understanding the Longfellow poem. We will examine imagery, meter, rhyme scheme, and word choice to discover how the poet builds suspense and the emotional power of the poem. We will also sketch the imagery and action of the poem to support our comprehension. During the third and fourth session, we will revisit the poem, but this time we will compare the fictional account with the historical facts of that night and its influence of the American Revolution. We will learn more about what really happened that night, and we will examine the clues about why Longfellow made the changes he made in his poem. We will also read Paul Revere's deposition describing the events of that night in his own words and discuss the importance of primary sources in the study of history.
Learning Goals
Students will understand Longfellow's poem and some of the literary devices the poet uses to affect the reader. Next students will learn the true story of the Midnight Ride and discuss why the fictional account has had so much power over the public imagination. Finally, students will read Paul Revere's firsthand account and discuss the use of primary sources.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The poem includes a few bits of spooky imagery, and the historical facts lead to the first armed battles of the Revolutionary War. Revere's account also includes some threatening language directed at him from the soldiers who captured him that night.
Supply List
A worksheet with a copy of the poem, a historical timeline, and Revere's firsthand account will be provided for students to print out. Students should have a writing implement for taking notes. Students may also want to have a set of colored pencils or crayons handy for sketching.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Wendy Shapard
Joined July, 2019
4.8
117reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
As a lover of poetry and of history, Longfellow's "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere" has long been a favorite of mine, and I have found that the vivid imagery of the poem makes it an excellent choice for students who may have had little experience with poetry before. Also, many students enjoy being let in on the secret and learning the real story behind the scenes. Finally, the existence of Paul Revere's first-hand account gives us the opportunity to travel back in time to one of the most important moments in American history.Reviews
Live Group Class
$48
for 4 classes4x per week, 1 week
55 min
Completed by 124 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-14
1-8 learners per class
