Class Constitution
Grade Levels: K - 8
Objectives
- Students will learn the purpose of the U.S. Constitution.
- Students will analyze the language and meaning of the Preamble.
- Students will work in cooperative groups to write a class constitution.
Materials
- Copies of U.S. Constitution: Background and Preamble
- Markers
- Chart paper
- Poster board
Procedures
- Read the U.S. Constitution: Background and Preamble handout aloud.
- Discuss the history of the U.S. Constitution by stressing that the Constitution gave a group of 13 states a way to work together.
- Read the Preamble of the Constitution aloud. Discuss its meaning by
analyzing the following phrases:
- form a more perfect union
- establish justice
- domestic tranquility
- common defense
- promote general welfare
- secure blessings of liberty
- Discuss the fact that the class is a group of people who must work together, like our states.
- Suggest that they need rules to follow to be successful.
- Direct students to work in cooperative groups brainstorming ideas for their Class Constitution.
- Make a list on chart paper.
- Share each group's ideas and make a list of suggested rules. Word everything in positive terms.
- Work together to write a Class Constitution on poster board. Each student and the teacher
should sign the finished product.
A Sample Constitution:
We the students of Room 34, in order to have a more perfect class, promise to work together to become a united team, promoting peace and harmony at all times. We will respect each other, always being considerate of other people's feelings and their property. We will always be cooperative and polite, listen carefully to others and their ideas, and praise others for their accomplishments. We will remember that the class is a place to learn, so we will always complete our assignments to the best of our abilities. When asked, we will work quietly and independently, thoroughly completing our work. We will actively participate in class and work cooperatively with a partner or small group. We will keep our room and desks clean and organized, and will move slowly and safely about the classroom and in the hallways. We pledge to do whatever we can to make our year in fourth grade a success and will always try our hardest to be the best we can possibly be!!
- Post it in the room for referral throughout the year.
