Constitution Day!...We The People: The Thirteen Colonies
Lesson At A Glance
This lesson begins the unit on National Holidays & Heroes.
Objectives
- Students will understand the meaning and significance of Constitution Day and the essential documents and people associated with it.
- Students will be able to locate the original 13 colonies on a map and describe how the leaders played a significant role in developing The Constitution.
Standards Addressed:
History Social Science
1.3 Students know and understand the symbols, icons, and traditions of the United States that provide continuity and a sense of community across time.
1.3.2 Understand the significance of our national holidays and the heroism and achievements of the people associated with them.
1.3.3 Identify American symbols, landmarks, and essential documents, such as the flag, bald eagle, Statue of Liberty, U.S. Constitution, and Declaration of Independence, and know the people and events associated with them.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
Reading Standards for Literature K–5
Grade 1: Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity
10. With prompting and support, read prose and poetry of appropriate complexity for grade 1.
Essential Questions/Issues:
1. Why was The Constitution written and what effect did it have on our country?
2.What role did the leaders of the 13 colonies have on developing The Constitution?
Assessments:
Students will be evaluated through informal checks for understanding, teacher observation, class participation, and performance on The Constitution Day Poem and the 13 Colonies Map and Flag.
Activity Steps:
Click here to download activity steps
| Purpose | Teacher | Students |
| Hook (20 Minutes) |
Teacher will have the Power Point presentation displayed on the screen as students enter the classroom.
1. Why did we all dress in red, white, & blue today? 2. What are we celebrating? |
Students will sit on their carpet square and receive a patriotic lei.
|
| Through (60 Minutes) |
Teacher will show the Power Point presentation to the class and engage in a class discussion.
|
Students will sit at their desks and actively participate in the Power Point presentation class discussion.
Students will refer to their Social Studies book to accurately depict the 13 colonies map and flag. |
| Beyond (20 Minutes) |
Teacher will wrap up the lesson by reiterating everything that was taught.
|
Students will actively engage in discussing the lesson and reflect on the concepts taught. |
Special Needs of students are considered in this lesson:
Since this lesson is taught so early in the 1st grade school year, the students have a short attention span so I have to incorporate many different teaching strategies to hold their attention. The Power Point presentation is a visual tool which is beneficial to all students. Using their Social Studies textbook is another visual tool that helps bring the content to life. I have also incorporated hands-on activities and performing arts activities as a way of getting them excited and involved in the lesson, both socially, and, academically.
Extension Ideas:
Have the students create their own “Constitution” for our classroom or the school.
Materials and Resources Needed:
- Power Point presentation
- Constitution Day Poem
- 13 Colonies Map
- 13 Colonies Flag
- Social Studies textbook
References:
- California Department of Education Content Standards for Social Studies
- https://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/histsocscistnd.pdf
- Harcourt Social Studies textbook
Student Materials:
Outline of Unit Plan:
National Holidays & Heroes