The U.S. Constitution: Grade 4

Goals

• Gain an understanding of the Preamble through sign language
• Differentiate between the three branches of government
• Create a lesson on one article of the Constitution
• Discuss a primary source and defend an argument for or against ratification

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SLD Profile

• Amelia Anderson
• Dysgraphia
• Cannot write legibly; needs accommodations
• iPad, laptop, additional time to write, oral exams

Lesson 1: The Preamble

• Watch "The Preamble Song"
• Learn motions in sign language to enhance vocabulary skills
• Complete an exit slip defining vocabulary & relating terms to signs!

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Lesson 2: Branches of Government

• Read "What Presidents Are Made Of" by Hanoch Piven and create a presidential self-portrait
• Compare and contrast the three branches of government using "The Supreme Court" by Christine Taylor-Butler and "How Does Congress Work" by Cathleen Small

Lesson 2 Continued

• Read Newsela article, "Our system of checks and balances" in Lexile levels
• Create chart with columns for the powers of each branch
• Checks and Balances Quiz!

Lesson 3: Articles IV-VI

• Jigsaw groups are assigned using puzzle pieces
• Each group reads an article of the Constitution from the primary source
• Using Mindmeister and a laptop, expert group students create a concept map to help them teach out to their home groups
• Minilesson is graded using a rubric!

Lesson 4: Ratification

• Read excerpts aloud from "National Geographic Kids' Reader: Alexander Hamilton"
• Analyze Hamilton's notes from the NY Ratification Debates (primary source)
• Vote for or against ratification, and discuss the reasons supporting the chosen argument!