Students describe what they feel when they sing “The Star Spangled Banner.” Then they examine the structure and content of the Constitution and infer its purpose. Next they analyze the preamble and the goals of the Constitution. Finally they create an illustration of the Preamble and add the caption, “We the People of the United States.”
Students read an introduction connecting Celebrate Freedom Week, the national anthem, and key founding documents, then respond to a collaborative wall prompt describing how they feel when they sing “The Star Spangled Banner” or see the U.S. flag flying.
Teacher MovesPreview the experience and objectives, then allow time for students to post and read one another’s responses. Emphasize that the prompt is subjective, highlight the importance of respecting differing viewpoints and freedom of speech, and prepare students to transition to the next scene when the class is ready.
Students read an explanation of how the U.S. Constitution is organized into the Preamble and seven Articles that define the structure, powers, and limits of the federal government and its relationship to the states. They then respond on a wall to infer the main purpose of the Constitution based on this description.
Teacher MovesRecord student ideas about the Constitution’s purpose on the board, guide a class vote on which purpose seems most important, and lead a discussion connecting this activity to how citizens use voting in a democracy. Clarify that the central idea is that the Constitution sets the rules and responsibilities for the U.S. government.
Students closely read the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, identify and look up unfamiliar words using a dictionary, and answer a multiple-choice question about the main purpose of the Preamble. They then use a graphic organizer to restate each of the six goals of the Constitution from the Preamble in their own words.
Teacher MovesMonitor students’ marked vocabulary and provide support in interpreting challenging language in the Preamble. After students complete the organizer, review each of the six goals in clear, simple language to check for understanding and reinforce the main ideas.
Students revisit the phrase “We the People” and learn that it reflects the idea that government power comes from the people in a democracy. They then create an illustration that represents the Preamble and add the caption, We the People of the United States, using a digital canvas or an uploaded drawing.
Teacher MovesClarify that “We the People” refers to citizens who have the power to influence government, especially through voting. If time permits, invite students to share and explain their illustrations with the class to deepen understanding of popular sovereignty and the meaning of the Preamble.
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