The Last Conversation Between Benjamin and William Franklin |
| How the Loyalist vs Patriots argument destroyed the relationship between father and son |
Use this Activity: |
| Discuss - Read the introduction to the activity to students and tell them that conflict within families is quite common, but the conflict between William and Benjamin Franklin was so severe that it permanently destroyed their relationship. Benjamin saw William's support for the English during the Revolutionary War as a personal betrayal, and thus, resolved never to talk to him again. Ask students to use their knowledge of the differences between Loyalists and Patriots |
| Debate - Do you think Benjamin was justified in disowning his son? Why or why not? |
| Perspective - If you were Benjamin Franklin, how would have you handled this disagreement? |
| Morning Work - The activity takes most students about 20 minutes to complete, making it an ideal solution for morning work. It can be part of a series of Revolutionary War-themed comprehension activities offered to students as morning work. |
| Homework - This activity is a great way to assign homework in social studies or language arts. |
| Skits- This activity can be used as a skit for pairs of students. |