Democracy: A Big Challenge
The United States Constitution Comes to Life!
Introduce students to the drafting and signing of the Constitution as they develop interviewing and persuasive writing skills.
OBJECTIVE
Students will:
- Work together in cooperative groups
- Understand the following keywords: Constitution, signers, reporter, newspaper, interview
- Understand the contributions these Founding Fathers: Washington, Franklin, Madison, Hamilton
- Understand the purpose for the United States Constitution
- Use research skills
- Write a persuasive letter to achieve a desired outcome
LESSONS FOR THIS UNIT
Lesson 1: U.S. Constitution Roll Call
Lesson 2: The Art of Persuasion
REPRODUCIBLES
Interview a Founding Father Printable (PDF)
Powerful Words Printable (PDF)
CULMINATING ACTIVITY
Students will participate in a mock question-and-answer session where “newspaper reporters” will interview four “Founding Fathers.”
SUPPORTING BOOKS
Books for Teaching About the Constitution
- Teacher Store
-
Our Government and How It Came to Be
The Teacher Store 
Our Government and How It Came to Be
A complete list of the titles in this collection appears below.
$44.00 You save: 31%
Book Collection | Grades 3-5
Grades 3-5 $44.00
- Teacher Store
-
The Election Book
The Teacher Store 
The Election Book
by Tamara HennemanThis thorough and accessible description of the U.S. presidential election process features discussions of parties, campaigns, conventions, and election day itself. A selection of voting-related websites for kids is featured at the end to promote further research.
$3.95
Paperback Book | Grades 3-5
Grades 3-5 $3.95
ARTICLE
LESSON PLAN
ONLINE ACTIVITY
