Constitution Day 2015 is just around the corner on Thursday, September 17th! Have you carved out some time this week to teach your students about the United States Constitution?
I know. This is such a busy time of the year. I am currently in the middle of a geography unit with my third grade students, but geography will take a back seat to the Constitution this Thursday and Friday. My lessons will focus on the Preamble.
I love to use this School House Rock video about the Preamble to kick off my Constitution lessons. It has such a catchy tune, and it always sparks a great conversation about the meaning of the words in the Preamble. The video is 3 minutes long. We always watch it at least two times. 🙂
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| Click image for link to the YouTube video |
Next, I read aloud this book by David Catrow. It has a terrific foreword and a glossary of terms that comes in very handy for interpreting the complex language of the Constitution for children.
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This Preamble Match FREEBIE by Hooty’s Homeroom is the perfect supplement to the We the Kids book. I made laminated sets for partners to match together the words to the Preamble and the word meanings.
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| Click image for link to FREEBIE from Hooty’s Homeroom |
Finally, my students will make a stretch book about the Preamble. After the above activities, they will be ready to illustrate all of the parts to the Preamble. I will teach them how to fold and assemble this special keepsake book.
Stretch books are somewhat challenging for beginning of the year third graders, but they are definitely possible with good step-by-step directions and some extra assistance. This will be my third time making the Preamble Stretch Book with third graders. I am always willing to take on the challenge because the results are so fantastic. Fourth grade students and older can usually handle the folds with guidance. I made this video tutorial to teach you how to make a Preamble Stretch Book. 🙂
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| Click image for Preamble Stretch Book tutorial |
Here is a link to the Preamble Stretch Book in my store in case you are interested!
Have a terrific week everyone! I hope you will spread some patriotism in your part of the country. I was feeling patriotic at the nail salon this weekend. In case you didn’t notice in the video, here is a still shot of my fingernails. 🙂 I think my students will enjoy looking at them this week!
