Declaration of Independence: A Close Reading

US History Foundations of U.S. History Declaration of Independence: A Close Reading
For Celebrate Freedom week, students watch a video about the importance of the Declaration of Independence as a text. Then they examine the structure of the document. Next they analyze the preamble, the grievances, and the actual declaration statement. Finally, they write a short reflection on what the Declaration of Independence means to them.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Teacher Pack

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for Declaration of Independence: A Close Reading:

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Overview

In this experience for Celebrate Freedom week, students watch a video about the importance of the Declaration of Independence as a text. Then they examine the structure of the document. Next they analyze the preamble, the grievances, and the actual declaration statement. Finally, they write a short reflection on what the Declaration of Independence means to them.

There is no quiz at the end of the experience.

Objective

  • Analyze the Declaration of Independence.


Engage


People are often so caught up in their daily lives that they don’t stop to appreciate the things big and small that add quality to their lives. The state legislature decided that all students should celebrate freedom this week to highlight the values and ideals on which the United States was founded, as well as the sacrifices that were made for freedom in the founding of the country. In this experience, you will focus on the Declaration of Independence.

Objective

  • Analyze the Declaration of Independence.


the text as signed by the members of the Continental Congress

Watch this video about the writing and importance of the document: Writing of the Declaration of Independence. As you watch the video, listen for key words and phrases that people use to describe this document. 


Write one or more of these words or phrases below.

Post your answer

Sample answers might include:

  • “best pieces of writing”
  • “revolutionary document”
  • “indictment against King George”
  • “free country”
  • “free people”
  • “philosophical basis for civil democracy”
  • “political genius”
  • “new time for humankind”

 

Point out that many people talk about the power of the words and the writing.


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