Level: Classroom
Grades: Elementary Lower (K-2)
School Quarter: 1
Related School Level Activities:
Activity: Stories of The Declaration of Independence
Theme Alignment: Histories of Independence
Toolkit Overview (In this toolkit):
- Background
- How to implement this activity
- Resources: Official versions of each of the founding documents
Background:
This activity introduces students to stories about the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the American Revolution. It helps students connect to the ideas of independence and interdependence through story and class discussion.
How To:
Link to Implementation / How to
Watch the Schoolhouse Rock: Fireworks (Declaration of Independence)
Use ideas from 4 Engaging Ways to Introduce The Declaration of Independence
Inspired conversation topics:
- Read and discuss
- Read at least one of the recommended books in class together.
- Mumbet’s Declaration of Independence is particularly recommended for its focus on the African American experience of independence.
- Discuss the story:
- What was your favorite part of the story? Why?
- How do you feel about this story?
- How did people in this story help each other?
- What did the main character have to do by themselves?
- Read at least one of the recommended books in class together.
- Community Helper:
- What activities can you do by yourself (independently)?
- How do you help your family or class?
Use Declaration of Independence Worksheets for K-2 to help students build vocabulary and understand concepts related to the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution.
Resources:
- Declaration of Independence: A Transcription | National Archives
- Declaration of Independence Worksheets for K-2. $4. One of the only resources for lower elementary.
- 4 Engaging Ways to Introduce The Declaration of Independence
- Schoolhouse Rock: Fireworks (Declaration of Independence)
- Tribal, Pueblo, and Nation concepts related to independence