1-2-3 Teach Some Constitution Day Activities With Me

I'm back!  I took the summer off for a much-deserved rest, but am now in the swing of things again and excited to share my latest creation.

I don't know about you, but when it came to being a fount of knowledge about our Constitution, I was sadly lacking expertise.

So, in 2004, when our government declared September 17th Constitution Day (also Citizenship Day), all public schools had to teach something about the Constitution.

I, along with many of my teacher friends thought, "Where will I find the time to squeeze that activity in with all of the other 'have-to-get-done' lessons?" 

Don't get me wrong, I love being an American citizen and am extremely grateful for our country's freedoms, feeling blessed indeed; but as a teacher faced with yet another thing to add to an already full plate, one can't help but feel a bit overwhelmed, with the prospect of "What on earth am I going to find that my early elementary students will understand?" All while thinking, " and when will I get time to prep this?"

No worries.  I put in the time so you don't have to!

"Find Me a Fact" is an easy-peasy, no prep, "print and go” activity you can simply run off and pass out.

If you don’t know much about the Constitution, no problem.

I’ve spent hours researching factual information about the Constitution, then compiled 8-pages of easy-to-understand background information, plus interesting and fun facts for you.

Students simply pick a “Topper”. I designed these semi-circular "glue ons" complete with Constitution-themed clip art. 

There are 9 designs students can choose from, and are just the right size to top a full sheet of writing paper. 

The graphics come in both black & white, as well as color, so that teachers can quickly & easily make an example to share.

I've also included 4 kinds of writing paper templates.

Pick the one that best suits your students' writing abilities, or have them complete their assignment on a sheet of notebook paper. 

You can use my background information to make your own example, or share it with your students as a non-fiction read. 

I designed an Uncle Sam "I want you..." poster that can be used to introduce the lesson. (The poster lists what you want students to do.) 

Afterwards, you can use Sam as the center for your bulletin board display, as completed projects make an awesome student-made bulletin board for Constitution Day, that's sure to get lots of compliments.

I've also included several posters to scatter around your display to add some extra pizzazz.

Simply run off the patterns.

Students choose a "topper" then they color, cut and glue this to their completed assignment, which is to find 3 facts about the Constitution.

You can use my list of educational and very helpful website LINKS about the Constitution, to steer your kiddos in the right direction.

This can be done as a homework assignment, or be part of your class computer lab.

There's also a worksheet that students fill out to help them navigate finding their 3 facts, as they provide URL links and explain how they know these facts to be true and the websites they used reliable.

There are also 7 “danglers”, which are a bunting-like decoration that's glued to the bottom of their paper.

You can skip this step, but I really think the borders add extra pizzazz and take just a few minutes more time.

To reinforce lessons learned about the Constitution, students share one of their facts with their classmates the next day.

As an extension to the lesson, after hearing everyone's answer, children can choose their favorite or most interesting fact that they learned, and jot it down on yet another worksheet. 

Yippee! Fun, fast, educational, easy and a bulletin board to boot.

Woo Hoo and Happy Constitution Day to you!

Since we also study apples in September, the FREEBIE for today is called "You Can Count on Willie".

It's a sweet, little apple craft, which is a super-fun way to practice counting.

There are several options to help your students count from 1-10, as well as skip count by 2's,3's, 5's, or 10's.

Well that's it for today thanks for stopping by.

It's the perfect day to be putzing with crafty things, as the sky is electric with lightning, and a gentle rain whispers as the rivulets cascade down my windowpane. 

Wishing you a wonderful week and a blessed Constitution Day.

"To teach is to learn twice." -Joseph Joubert

1-2-3 Come Do Some Constitution Day Activities With Me 

I'm all for easy, when the administration throws these "According to the law, everyone has to teach something about the Constitution on April 17th..." zingers at us.

With that in mind, and because I couldn't find an emergent reader that simplified the Constitution for PK-K, I decided to make my own.

This little, non-fiction Constitution booklet, is filled with basic facts, in easy to understand, kid-friendly terms, which help explain what the Constitution is all about.

So...Woo hoo! Simply "print & go" and you're all set with a quick, easy, and interesting little something to plug in for Constitution Day.

Students "read" the simple sentences (I used plenty of words from the Dolch lists) then trace and write the main idea word.  Doing so, will help build vocabulary and reinforce comprehension.

Besides the "kiddy" emergent reader version, I also added more factual information to make a non fiction booklet which is suitable for 3rd & 4th graders.

For quick printing, there are two pages on one template.  The booklet for older kiddos has 5 more pages. 

This 16-page packet is just $1.95 in my TpT shop.  Click on the link to pop on over.  Emergent Reader Constitution booklet.

I turned the last page of the booklet into a Constitution Day coloring page.  It's one of today's featured FREEBIES. Click on the link to grab a copy. 

Another quick, easy & fun little something to do on Canstitution Day, is play games with a set of Constitution themed Memory Match cards.

They match my Constitution Day Number Puzzles, which makes for a nice coordinated center/station.

Students can match the picture to the picture or the picture to the word card.  I've numbered them, so children can self-check.

You can also play an "I Have; Who Has?" game. "I have George Washington. Who has his name card?"

Use the picture cards to build vocabulary and explain a bit about the Constitution.
"The men on these cards are some of the "Framers" that worked on the Constitution." etc.

Use them as flashcards to see who can tell what's on the card and how that person or thing relates to Constitution Day.

Later in the year, bring the game out again in February for Presidents' Day, posing the question: "Which of these men became President? Who was the first?" 

My other FREEBIE for today is one of the puzzles from the 25 Patriotic Number Puzzles packet.

Click on the link to grab your copy today. "Hip Hip Hooray For the USA!"

Well that's it for today.  Thanks for visiting.  It's pouring rain so a perfect day to tackle my too long "To Do" list.

"The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself." - Unknown

1-2-3 Come Do Some Constitution Day Activities With Me 

I've been working like mad today to finish up a few of the Constitution Day activities that I was designing.  I hope someone out there can still use them.  

I'm all for easy, when the administration throws these "According to the law, everyone has to teach something about the Constitution on April 17th..." zingers at us.

With that in mind, and because I couldn't find an emergent reader that simplified the Constitution for PK-K, I decided to make my own.

This little, non-fiction Constitution booklet, is filled with basic facts, in easy to understand, kid-friendly terms, that help explain what the Constitution is all about.

So...Woo hoo! Simply "print & go" and you're all set with a quick, easy, and interesting little something to plug in for Constitution Day.

Students "read" the simple sentences (I used plenty of words from the Dolch lists) then trace and write the main idea word.  Doing so, will help build vocabulary and reinforce comprehension.

Besides the "kiddy" emergent reader version, I added more factual information to make a non fiction booklet, suitable for 3rd & 4th graders.

For quick printing, there are two pages on one template.  The booklet for older kiddos has 5 more pages. 

Click on the link to pop on over.  Emergent Reader Constitution booklet.

I turned the last page of the booklet into a Constitution Day coloring page.  It's one of today's featured FREEBIES. Click on the link to grab a copy. 

The other FREEBIE is a pair of parchment-look scrolls.  Use them to have your students write their own classroom Constitution, Bill of Rights or class contract.

Also hot off the press today is a set of Constitution themed Memory Match cards.

They match my Constitution Day Number Puzzles, which makes for a nice coordinated center/station.

Students can match the picture to the picture or the picture to the word card.  I've numbered them, so children can self-check.

You can also play an "I Have; Who Has?" game. "I have George Washington. Who has his name card?"

Use the picture cards to build vocabulary and explain a bit about the Constitution.
"The men on these cards are some of the "Framers" that worked on the Constitution." etc.

Use them as flashcards to see who can tell who or what's on the card and how it relates to Constitution Day.

Later in the year, bring the game out again in February for Presidents' Day, posing the question: "Which of these men became President? Who was the first?" 

Well that's it for today.  Thanks for stopping by.  Our server was having issues for a bit, so it was timing out and driving me crazy! 

Every time I tried to save my work the page errored out and I lost everything.  You are reading my 4th redo of this article. 

Of course a killer headache has insued, so time to quit.  Wishing everyone an interesting Constitution Day tomorrow. 

"The Constitution is never tested during times of tranquility; it is during times of tension , trumoil, tragedy, trauma, and terrorism that it is sorely tested." -Mike Honda

1-2-3 Come Do Some Constitution Day Activities With Me

Holy Moly where is September flying off to?  Constitution Day is this Thursday the 17th! Boy did that ever sneak up fast! 

Are you looking for something quick, easy & fun that your kiddos can do on Constitution Day that they can wrap their brains around?

How ‘bout a patriotic number puzzle? It’s a great way to fulfill the “Do something related to the Constitution on September 17th” requirement.

Later, you can still use these puzzles for any other patriotic holidays that roll around.

I’ve included a variety of puzzles that count by 1s to 10, count backwards from 10 to 1, as well as skip count by 10s to 100.

Print, laminate & trim the full color ones and use as an independent center.

I’ve included portraits of some of the “Framers”, so when you discuss the men who worked on the Constitution, you can show them a picture puzzle that they can assemble.

I’ve also included black and white options, so that students can color and cut up their own puzzle.

Be sure and give them some background facts to go with the various puzzles, so that they can share this information when they get home.

For an interesting “craftivity” have students glue their puzzle to a sheet of red or blue construction paper. Remind them to leave a little bit of a gap between each numbered strip to create an especially cool mosaic effect.

For an awesome “Look what we did on Constitution Day” bulletin board, scatter completed projects on a white background, trimmed with a patriotic stars & stripes border.

Older students can complete a writing prompt on the back of their puzzle. Share then suspend from the ceiling. This 58-page packet is just 2.95.  Click on the link to pop on over to my TpT shop to take a peek and let the fun begin. 25 Constitution Day Number Puzzles

The featured FREEBIE today comes from the packet.  It's my personal favorite patriotic puzzle in the packet, and features the adorable clip art of Laura Strickland. 

Click on the link to grab your copy just in time for Constitution Day: Patriotic Number Puzzle FREEBIE

Well that's it for now.  Thanks for stoppin' by.  My brain is fried from doing research about Constitution Day. 

Time for a much-needed break.  Wishing you a carefree day.

"The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself." - Benjamin Franklin

 1-2-3 Come Do Some Vocabulary Building With Me

If your school has to fulfill the Constitution Day educational requirement, you'll enjoy this vocabulary-building packet.  There is a lot of vocabulary that goes along with explaining the Constitution. Many of these words are new to your students. 

To help kiddos understand the Constitution, it's necessary to go over this vocabulary.  To make this easy-peasy for you, I made an alphabetical list of 42 words related to the Constitution. 

If you thought of anymore, I'd enjoy hearing from you, and will add them to my list. diane@teachwithme.com

I used the list to make 42 cute patriotic word cards. Choose the ones that are appropriate for your grade level. 

You can use these in a pocket chart or as flashcards to explain words and give definitions, then post them by your word wall.  

There are also 42 definition cards.  I numbered these so they match the list of words. 

This makes it easy for you to match the word cards up with their definitions.  Make an extra set and use as an independent center.

You can also play all sorts of games with the cards, like Memory Match or "I Have; Who Has?" 

Hold up a card and ask students to read it.  Who is familiar with this word? Can anyone give a definition? 

Place the cards in separate baskets. Have students choose a card from each basket and give the definition of the word card that they chose or the word that is being defined.  Students can work with a partner and alphabetize some cards, or play "Speed" against each other to see who can alphabetize their set first.

Use the cards for Daily 5 word work. Choose several cards for students to use in a sentence.  and/or have older students think of synonyms for some of the word cards. 

I've included a cover so students can make a Constitution Vocabulary Dictionary as well. Constitution Day Word Work Packet.

Click on the link to view/download the Constitution Day Word Work packet.

Thanks for visiting today.  I'm off to go figure out how to turn the new thermostat to heat instead of air. 

Unfortunately the fall weather today is a bit chilly on the outside, as well as the inside.  Hope you have a fun-filled day. 

"Teamwork divides the task and multiplies success." -Unknown

 1-2-3 Come Do Some Constitution Day Activities With Me

With a federal mandate that any schools accepting federal funds, need to do some educational activity associated with the Constitution, on September 17th, I wanted to think up something that my Y5’s could easily understand.  

With everything else that teachers have to cover, I also wanted what we did to be something simple and especially relevant to them.

This packet does exactly that, because I've tied it into classroom management: jobs of students and teachers, as well as the rules and regulations they must follow.

These activities not only tie in with the Constitution, they are quick and easy to implement.  Children can wrap their heads around these Constitutional comparisons and the result will be a more caring classroom climate, with less inappropriate behavior.

The Constitution is a document that serves as the foundation of American government.  To help explain this to students, make a document of jobs as well as rules for your classroom and have all of the children sign it.

The Constitution is broken up into 3 branches.  (Legislative, Executive, and Judicial) They all have specific jobs.   Like wise, teachers and students have jobs. 

First, discuss and make a list of all the  jobs and responsibilities of a good student. Then make up a list of jobs (responsibilities) for teachers.  I’ve included headers for you to put up on your board, so that you can brainstorm with your students and write things under the appropriate heading.

Children’s discussion will often involve what they think the qualities of a good student and good teacher are.   I’m sure some of their ideas will make you smile. ( “Teachers need to smell nice.” )   

Write students’ ideas on the board.  I’ve included a completed list of things we thought of to help you, as well as blank templates to fill in your own.  I’d enjoy seeing what your kiddos come up with. You can e-mail me at: diane@teachwithme.com  

Hang up your lists on a bulletin board.  There’s also a poster that you can put in the middle of your board, after all of your students have signed it.

Next, discuss your rules.  Because students have been in school for several weeks, you’ve hopefully have already established a list of rules with them.  If you don't have a set of rules posted, click on the link for my simple rules poster.

Review the rules and make a list of them on the board.  (Tie this in with the Constitution, as our country also has rules, which are laws that people must follow.)

Discuss how things are going .  Is everyone following the rules?  Are they good rules; fair rules; necessary?  Do you need to change, modify, or add any rules? (Tie this in with the Constitution by briefly explaining the amendments to the Constitution.) I've included a writing prompt page where students can jot down 3 reasons why doing their job and following rules is important.

What are the consequences of not following the rules?  What do they think would happen if there were no rules to follow and everyone adopted an “anything goes” attitude? (Briefly discuss the correlation of this to the Constitution’s checks, balances and punishment for breaking laws.)

An easy way to make your classroom constitution is to make a social contract.  Head your poster: “We the (kindergarten) students of (Orchard Trails Elementary) promise to . . .” and then list what students feel are important promises (rules, jobs and responsibilities).

Have each child sign the poster.  (Remember to have new students sign it too.)  This is now a working document (like the Constitution).  Discuss how signing something is a big deal.  This is binding.   Even young children understand the importance of a promise and following  through.   (“But you promised . . .)  If the class as a whole, or an individual student, is not keeping their promises per the terms of your social contract, refer to the poster and ask:

“Did you promise to follow the rules, be a good listener, be kind to one another? etc.”  (Obviously they did.)  After thy take responsibility for their actions then ask: “What would have been a better choice?  What should happen now?”  Click on the link to view/download the Constitution Day Jobs & Rules Packet.

I found a cute social contract over at Corner Character blog spot.  I like how she wrote each promise in a different color marker and then had students add their painted handprint to the side of the chart, adding their names when the paint dried. 

I designed my own social contract, tracing my students' hands on a variety of colors of construction paper.

I glued our "promise poster" to the center of a piece of tag board, then "framed" it with the colorful prints.

For more accountability, have children sign their own names, which makes them feel important & more accountable. For added pizzazz, when school pictures come back, copy, cut & glue one to each child's hand.

Our social contract has been so successful, that I decided to share it in a "School Rules Classroom Management" packet.  Click on the link to check it out.  

Follow up these activities by reading “We the Kids”  by David Catrow.  He makes understanding the Preamble to the Constitution accessible to children in a fun and humorous way.  A glossary of terms and a foreword by the artist are also included.

Since the Preamble is one of the most famous and familiar parts of the Constitution, I’ve included several trace and write worksheets in the packet.

I find that a short video is often the best way to review and get more information into my students’ minds.  A nice way to end your day is to choose a short video from this American history website.

The first one is only 4 minutes, another on the Founding Fathers is 3 minutes and a final one entitled America Gets A Constitution is 4 minutes.  They are easy for little ones to understand and include some good background information.

Thanks for visiting.  Time to go watch the Detroit Lions hopefully win a football game!

"If you want to know where your heart is, go to where your mind goes when it wanders." -Unknown

Be True To The Red White And Blue

A big part of going back to school is teaching a variety of routines.

One of the things that my Y5’s were learning for the first time was The Pledge Of Allegiance.

Like many schools through out the US, we started our day with announcements.

Our principal’s voice would boom over the PA system and lead us in the Pledge.

My Y5’s were doing a wonderful job with memorization, but when I asked my little ones what they were saying, they were clueless, or had a very different interpretation of what some of the words meant.

For example, many of them thought indivisible meant being invisible.

I told them that it was important to understand what they were pledging, and asked them if they wanted to know what the words really meant?

Their curiosity was peaked and most of them raised their hands in agreement.

I designed My Pledge Definition Dictionary with kid-friendly synonyms they could understand.

As long as teachers are required to increase students’ vocabularies, why not start with these very important words!

This packet also includes a certificate of praise as well as a copy of The Pledge of Allegiance for students to practice tracing, as a means of memorization, so that they become familiar with the words.

Click on the link to view/download My Pledge Of Allegiance Definition Dictionary Packet

I feel that knowing about our flag is very important.

The Easy Reader booklet My Flag is a wonderful way to learn important facts about the flag, as students trace and then write key words, cutting and gluing matching pictures to the appropriate sentences.

The booklet can be used as an introduction to The Pledge of Allegiance or a review and has 3 different endings, which makes it very versatile.

Click on the link to view/download My Flag.

The 49-page Flag Activities Packet, covers the history of our flag, information about the flag, and includes links, articles, art projects, skill sheets and writing activities.

It’s a wonderful resource for something patriotic to do with your students.

One of my students' favorite activities was making their own personal flag.  These are a great way to learn about your new students and make a terrific back to school bulletin board too.

Click on the link to view download the Flag Activities Packet.

Finally, the I’m Proud To Be An American Writing Prompt fits well at the beginning of the year when you’re teaching the Pledge, or looking for an activity for Constitution Day.

Use students’ finished pages as an easy bulletin board, or collate them into a class book.

Click on the link to view/download Proud to be an American Writing Prompt

Thanks for visiting today.  I hope you can also stop by tomorrow for more back to school ideas.

Do you have one to share?  I’d enjoy hearing from you! diane@teachwithme.com or take a moment and post a comment here.

Feel free to PIN anything that you think others might find helpful.

“I find that a great part of the information I have acquired was by looking up something and finding something else on the way.” –Franklin P. Adams