Are learners heavy sighing at the idea of reading a primary source, written in a language that is difficult to understand and in cursive? Look no further, because the resource breaks down the Declaration of Independence in an easy-to-understand and enjoyable way. The class reads about the meaning of different sections of the document, sees the primary source firsthand, and gets a play-by-play to each sentence of the entire document.

Concepts

the declaration of independence, american history, the american revolution, american politics, the united states

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Differentiate for GATE by assigning them to make up some of their own answers
• Extend learning by requiring pupils to write a reflective piece about what the Declaration of Independence would have meant for colonists at the time; challenge them to use historical context and facts

Classroom Considerations

• Requires a way to present the resource through methods such as print distribution, online access, or projection technology

Pros

• Makes a primary source less overwhelming and more interesting for scholars
• Puts the wording of the Constitution into regular, everyday, contemporary speak
• Very easy to navigate the resource

Cons

• None

Common Core

RH.9-10.3 RH.9-10.4 RH.9-10.5 RH.11-12.3 RH.11-12.4 RH.11-12.5