"Find the Witch!" A Salem Witch Trials Role-Playing Activity

Synopsis of activity:

This role-playing activity is meant to simulate the uncertainty and fear that gripped the town of Salem, Massachusetts during the infamous Witch Trials. The activity involves holding a “town meeting” for the purpose of identifying who is “the witch.” This activity is fun and brings high energy to the classroom.

This activity is a great companion to a history lesson on the Salem Witch Trials or with an ELA unit on Arthur Miller’s The Crucible.

Materials included:

*Instructions for teachers, including a “Teacher’s/Moderator’s Guide” to run the meeting.

*30 Role Cards to pass out to the students.

*A copy of the Core Democratic Values.

*Discussion questions for after the meeting (could be used as assignment/assessment).