There are a lot of resources and ideas out on the web for learning about the founding of our government. The declaration, constitution, amendments, and other important pieces of history always steal the spotlight, but what about the preamble of our constitution? This important part of the US Constitution sets the tone and introduces the highest law of the land. It contains the source from which our country’s power stems and the authors’ intent in producing this key document. Check out these activities to get your learners fired up about the preamble!
1. History of the Preamble
The word “preamble” is not commonplace in today’s slang so simply introducing this idea may cause confusion among students. Have kids utilize and practice their research skills to build some background knowledge before diving into the preamble itself!
Learn More: Constitution.gov
2. Introduce the Preamble
This online resource is an appropriate way to introduce the preamble to students. It’s clear, to the point, and offers enough information to explain the importance of the topic without being overly babyish.
Learn More: Pursuit of History
3. Khan Academy Digital Lesson
Sal Khan’s explanations, coupled with sketched drawings on-screen, clarify even the most challenging of topics. This short part of a unit he created about the constitution explains and details the preamble for older students who are looking to learn more information and dive deeper.
Learn More: Khan Academy
4. Conversation Starters
This resource would be perfect for after kids learn about the preamble. Print these preamble conversation starters and send them home for families to get in on the action over dinner. They would be a unique way to review, get parents involved, and help kids gain a deeper understanding.
Learn More: American Bar Association
5. Vocabulary Study
Before learning about the constitution, kids should use vocabulary to build background knowledge. The word preamble, as well as other words associated with the constitution, can be found on this website; allowing for extensive definitions, uses, examples, synonyms, and word lists associated with the preamble to allow for maximum understanding.
Learn More: Vocabulary.com
6. Phonetic Puzzle
This artwork by Mike Wilkins would make a great engaging activity to introduce the topic of the preamble to students. Don’t tell them what it is, but let them know that they have to unlock what the puzzle says with a partner prior to beginning your unit.
Learn More: Smithsonian Art Museum
7. One Pager
My middle schooler brings home one-pagers all the time. These concise, decorative pages are a quick and effective way for kids to capture the gist of a topic or idea. They also serve as a great study reference that appeals to artists and analytics alike.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
8. Classroom Preamble
Using chart paper, create a classroom poster with your students that is the preamble to the classroom rules. Students will love getting involved in the production of this document. It introduces the idea of the preamble concept to students in a way that is relevant and makes sense but also works in a practical way for the classroom!
Learn More: Pinterest
9. Memorization
If your curriculum requires students to memorize the preamble, this worksheet of sentence frames is the perfect addition to your lessons. Students are required to add the missing keywords to complete the preamble.
Learn More: Apples 4 the Teacher
10. Preamble Scramble
This low-prep activity offers another layer of learning to the unit. This puzzle would make a fun center or group activity to accompany your constitution unit. Kids can create, color, and cut the puzzle out for their classmates to recreate.
Learn More: Pinterest
11. Preamble Coloring Page
Add this coloring page to your preamble creative projects. When completed, it makes up a colorful visual with corresponding words for the preamble to the US constitution. It also outlines the important ideas presented.
Learn More: Etsy
12. Government in Action
Middle and high school students will use the preamble to connect to current events that show the intentions and follow-through of the preamble. These worksheets offer space for notes and ideas that are examples of what the preamble intended.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
13. We the Kids Read Aloud
This story is the perfect accompaniment to your elementary preamble lesson. Whether you read it aloud or allow kids to read it in their free time, kids will giggle their way through this humorous take on this important piece of history.
Learn More: Amazon
14. Preamble Challenge
A fun lesson plan that culminates with a “Preamble Challenge” Yes, please! After learning about the preamble, students can utilize their newfound knowledge with a creative presentation of the preamble. Be sure to include props and invite the school for the ultimate production.
Learn More: Constitution Center
15. Take it Old School
Schoolhouse Rocks are what taught many older generations about our government. Why not use it as a support for today’s generations?
Learn More: Illinois Policy
16. Interactive Matching Activity
Students will be able to match explanations of each portion of the preamble to their respective parts. Download, cut, and laminate this activity for students to use in partners or as a center activity during class.
Learn More: Teach Starter
17. Vocab in History
5th-graders will learn the related vocabulary using these vocabulary worksheets. They could practice dictionary skills to fill in the correct definitions of these words or interview their classmates to learn from one another.
Learn More: Education.com
18. Primary Sources
These digital preamble resources are great for showing the importance of studying primary sources. Students will analyze the preamble’s first draft, compare it to the second and final drafts, and then discuss the differences.
Learn More: Docs Teach
19. Preamble Flag Craftivity
Younger students can assemble the preamble into an American Flag using construction or scrapbooking paper. The finished product will be a beautiful representation of the preamble and a nice take-home for students.
Learn More: Simple Home Blessings
20. Preamble for Primary
Students in 2nd grade can be introduced to the preamble with this set of introductory activities. It includes a traceable preamble to practice handwriting, visual definitions, flashcards, and a coloring sheet to help kids become exposed to this concept at a younger age.
Learn More: Etsy
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