The government added these amendments to protect the individual rights of American citizens; including freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right to a fair and speedy trial. To help kids understand and appreciate the importance of the Bill of Rights, try a few of our favorite 15 activities.
1. Scavenger Hunts
Hide pages of the amendments around the classroom and have kids search for them. As they find each one, have them read it aloud and discuss what it means. Learn how to plan a scavenger hunt here.
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2. Charades Games
Divide the class into teams and give each team a list of the amendments. One student from each team will act out the amendment while the other team members try to guess what it is. Learn how to play charades here.
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3. Interesting Debate Classes
Choose a controversial topic, such as gun control or free speech, and have students research and prepare opening and closing arguments for both sides. Then, have them present an argument per speaker to learn even more. Learn how to facilitate a class debate here.
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4. Creative Collages
Have each student choose one amendment and create a visual representation using magazine clippings, drawings, or other materials. Hang the collages in the classroom and have students explain their choices to the class. Learn how to make a collage here.
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5. Rap Competition
Have students work in small groups to write and perform a rap song that explains one or more of the amendments. Encourage them to be creative and use rhymes and catchy beats to make their raps memorable. An example of a “Bill Of Rights” rap can be found here.
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6. Hangman Games
Divide the class into teams and play with words related to the Bill of Rights. As a player thinks of the words, the others try to guess and fill in the letters. Every wrong try brings the player closer to being hung. As they answer wrongly, someone draws each part of a stick until the final picture just like here.
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7. Board Games
Customize a couple of board games to teach your students about the Bill of Rights. For example, you could play a game where players vote amongst themselves to get the rights that they believe in, reflected in the final Bill of Rights like here. Learn how to create a board game here.
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8. Mock Trials
Choose a real or fictional case and have students role-play as lawyers, judges, impartial jury, and witnesses in a jury trial. Have them research the case, prepare their arguments, and present documents. Then you as the teacher can hold a trial to see who can make the best case as here.
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9. Quiz Show Time
Divide the class into teams and create a quiz show that tests kids’ knowledge of the amendments by asking questions related to the Bill of Rights. Use buzzers, lights, and other game show elements to make the exercise fun and exciting. Learn how to create quiz questions and answers here.
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10. Theatre Plays
Create a skit or play that shows the significance of the Bill of Rights in real life. Organize the kids in different roles to create a product they’ll present to the school or just their classmates. Learn how to create a play here.
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11. Class Newsletters
Teach the kids about their cherished freedoms by organizing them into a press group. Create a class newsletter or blog featuring articles and resources about the Bill of Rights and current events related to the amendments. Learn how to create a class newsletter here.
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12. Classroom Art Periods
Have students create art projects, such as drawings or sculptures, depicting the rights protected by the Bill of Rights. Provide them with art supplies like paper, cardboard, paint, and more. Have them use these to create their depictions of what the process of law means to them. This is an example here.
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13. Class Discussions
Have students prepare discussion questions and get answers to questions they have. Have them share their opinions on issues like the death penalty, unusual punishments, and other processes of law they find fascinating. Learn how to host a class discussion here.
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14. Timeline Creation Activity
Have students create a timeline of important events related to the Bill of Rights; such as its ratification, government policies, and significant court cases involving the amendments. Learn more here.
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15. Classroom Movie Time
Have your learners watch an interesting and illustrative video about the Bill of Rights. This is a fun and practical way to have them learn important information about their rights as well as concepts of citizenship. Here is an example of a good video.
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