Learning Center #1:  Preamble to the Constitution

Goal: Students will learn more about specific parts of the Preamble and then meet back as a group and share information.

Materials Needed:  6 groups.  Each group will have a slip of paper with a section of the Preamble  written on it.  Each group will also have a copy of the whole Preamble, and a dictionary.

• Group 1: We the People....do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
• Group 2: establish justice...
• Group3: insure domestic tranquility....
• Group 4: provide for the common defense....
• Group 5: promote the general welfare....
• Group 6 secure the blessings of liberty...

Procedure: 

1.  Each group will be given a slip of paper, a dictionary, and a copy of the Preamble.

2.  As a group they will have to answer the following questions about their slip:

• What does it mean?  Can you give an example? Are there words you need to look up in the dictionary?
• Why did they include it?  Why is it important?
• How does it protect your well being?

3.  Then the groups will come together and explain their answers.

An excellent introductory lesson to Primary Documents such as the Constitution and the Bill of Rights is on the NARA website.

Another good web site is Ben's Guide.  This is a government site that explains the documents to students.  

It also includes a word puzzle, using words from the federal government lesson.  Find this puzzle here!

http://www.archives.gov/digital_classroom/introductory_activity.html  in which the students bring in their own primary documents (Birth Certificate Copies, etc.) and analyze them.

Also please remember to use the many Jean Fritz books on the subject of government.  Will You Sign Here, John Hancock?   and   Shh! We're Writing the Constitution.  Children love these books, and they make great Read alouds!

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