Three activities focus on the First Amendment, especially the freedom of speech. Scholars craft a letter to the President of the United States and express their views about a topic important to them. Another activity has participants examining the Four Freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment. For the last activity in this section, learners examine the Great Seal of the United States and then design a Great Seal of Themselves that highlights things that are important to them.

Concepts

freedom of speech, the bill of rights, the first amendment, political systems, sharing, self expression, democratic values, american democracy

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Instructional Ideas

• Enlarge and post the Preamble to the Constitution and the First Amendment prominently in the classroom

Classroom Considerations

• The second section in a 10-resource series
• The sections and activities can be used in any order at any time of the year
• The civics concepts explored in Section Two are political expression, right to assemble, finding  your voice, and sharing and expressing views
• Each activity requires copies of the worksheets, one per pupil

Pros

• Each of the three activities includes step-by-step directions and extension suggestions

Cons

• None