Constitution Day Fun Idea

JRichard · **Constitution Day Fun Idea** 09-14-2006, 07:35 PM

I am a social studies teacher--I LOVE history...and I have to say I was BORED TO TEARS by all of the lesson plans on the internet for Constitution Day. <yawn> if I'm bored, what about the kids?

We teach the Constitution later in the year, so we are never overly concerned about teaching specific facts on this day. To me, it's more about celebrating the spirit of the Constitution on its anniversary.

In that light, our social studies teachers usually teach our students how to recite the Preamble in sign lanugage. It's a fun way to celebrate the diversity in our country through the Constitution.

This year, our U.S. History teachers decided they would ask their students to dress like colonials, or, if they could, a specific founding father. They are having a small party (during our "homeroom" period) out on our front lawn with all of the students that dress up.

For those of you scrambling for a last minute idea (like me

), here's the sign language file.

Jenny

imalith · **thanks** 09-15-2006, 06:16 AM

I love that. Great activity.

Bethany · **Thanks...** 09-15-2006, 08:17 AM

This would be great for my fourth graders to perform at the Veteran's Day program!

MrsM · 09-15-2006, 01:01 PM

Jenny, I echo the "bored" sentiment. I printed off your sheet, thanks very much, and though I don't need it this year I'll keep it handy for next year.

JRichard · 09-15-2006, 01:15 PM

I just got through doing it with all of my students and I was pleasantly surprised! I didn't know if 7th graders would like this or not. I knew my girls would like it because they have been obsessed with sign language lately. I thought my boys would think it was "geeky," but everyone did it, and laughed and enjoyed themselves. I have told them that anyone who memorizes it and can perform it for me will get extra credit on my most recent test, so they all liked that.

Our 8th graders had lots of fun dressing up like colonists. Anyone who dressed up received a treat at the end of the day and got to sign a "constitution" and get their picture for the yearbook and paper.

Jenny

iteach4th · 09-15-2006, 01:46 PM

Oh, thank you, thank you!!

I just learned today that I needed to do something for Constitution Day on Monday! THis will be perfect....thanks so much for sharing!

Kat's Mom · **So kind to share!** 09-15-2006, 06:19 PM

You were generous in sharing this! Thanks, I've got it for next year! Something different!

jennmcg72 · **Big thanks!** 09-16-2006, 11:00 AM

Thanks so much for this activity. I had several things planned for Monday but this will be a nice addition.

aamattson · 09-16-2006, 12:08 PM

I love that idea!!! I teach 4th grade as well and am on the Veteran's Day committee. We meet on Tuesday and now I'll have something to share!

klh2 · **great idea** 09-16-2006, 05:58 PM

Jenny, thanks for the fun!

KellyTeachTX · **THanks!** 08-25-2007, 05:44 PM

I JUST found this post!

Thanks for the sign language sheet for the Preamble.

FANTASTIC!!!

HOW POWERFUL!

Kelly

hb11 · **preamble** 09-19-2007, 01:40 PM

Thank you for sharing! Love it!

countryclubdr · **preamble in sign language** 09-23-2007, 11:52 AM

Thank you for posting the preamble in sign language online!countryclubdr

RAGGMOPP · **Preamble** 01-31-2008, 06:44 AM

Thank you for posting the Preamble in sigh language.
I am an Interpreter for the Deaf,I thought that would be an easy way for my student to learn the preamble.