Students examine events in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey that marked turning points in the Revolutionary War: the battle of Trenton, the winter at Valley Forge, and the battles of Saratoga. Then they will explain the significance of each event.
Students are introduced to key turning points in the Revolutionary War—Trenton, Saratoga, and Valley Forge—through brief background text and three historical paintings depicting Washington crossing the Delaware, Washington and Lafayette at Valley Forge, and Burgoyne’s surrender at Saratoga. After examining one painting closely, they post to a class wall imagining themselves as an American soldier in the scene and describing how they would feel.
Teacher MovesReview the lesson objective and introduce the three featured events as turning points in the war. Facilitate a brief discussion of student wall responses, highlighting emotional reactions and observations from the paintings, and explain that students will learn more about each event in the lesson.
Students learn about the Battle of Trenton by watching Washington Crossing the Delaware and reading Trenton 1776. They then respond on a class wall explaining how Washington was able to surprise the Hessians and win the battle. In a second wall post, they write from the perspective of a Hessian soldier, describing their opinion of Washington and the Continental Army before and after the battle.
Teacher MovesOptionally show the key portion of the video and direct students to the supporting article as needed. Use the sample explanations to clarify how timing, weather, and the element of surprise contributed to the American victory. During the perspective-writing activity, prompt students to contrast Hessian attitudes before and after the battle and to ground their responses in details from the resources.
Students investigate the Battles of Saratoga by watching How the Battle of Saratoga Turned the Tide and reading Saratoga 1777. They complete a graphic organizer by listing three key details about the battles, such as leadership, timing, outcomes, and the impact of French support.
Teacher MovesGuide students to identify and record critical facts and consequences of the Saratoga campaign in the organizer. Use the provided list of additional details to check for completeness and accuracy, emphasizing why Saratoga marked a major turning point in the war.
Students explore the winter at Valley Forge by watching Surviving Valley Forge and reading Washington at Valley Forge. They first post to a wall explaining why survival at Valley Forge was so difficult, what went wrong, and how the experience ultimately strengthened the troops. In a second wall activity, they explain whether it surprises them that soldiers loved George Washington after the winter and justify their reasoning.
Teacher MovesUse the teacher notes to explain the severe shortages, disease, and lack of medical care at Valley Forge, as well as the role of Baron von Steuben’s training and Washington’s leadership. During discussion of the second wall prompt, surface differing viewpoints about Washington’s responsibility and loyalty, and connect student ideas to evidence from the resources.
Students synthesize their learning by completing a three-part graphic organizer. For the Battle of Trenton, the Battles of Saratoga, and the winter at Valley Forge, they describe why each event was noteworthy or important, focusing on how each served as a turning point in the Revolutionary War.
Teacher MovesUse student entries in the organizer to check how well they can explain the significance of each event, prompting them to connect specific details (surprise victory, French alliance, strengthened and loyal army) to the broader course of the war.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
©2026 Exploros. All rights reserved.