The Editing of the Declaration of Independence

admin — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 08:52:28 +0000

Summary:

Perfect for perfectionists - take a look at Jefferson's rough draft, with many crossouts and changes. Kids may also be interested to learn that Thomas Jefferson was pretty upset about how the Continental Congress further edited his original document.

Here's a few possible assignments that can get kids thinking more deeply about Independence Day:

1) Read the final Declaration together, answering questions, and then ask the student to write it in their own words, as if they were telling a friend what the Declaration is about.

2) What was Jefferson thinking as he wrote the first draft? Does anything strike you about his edits? What was he trying to achieve? (Some of the edits were likely made directly by Benjamin Franklin and possibly John Adams.)

Down to Grade/Age:

3rd Grade

Up thru Grade/Age:

High School

Quotable Art

admin — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:29:17 +0000

Summary:

A memorable, simple craft project: quotes for the wall, or for bookmarks

This is a simple craft that makes for a family time of choosing and reading quotes together.

You'll need one or a few good quotation books, such as Quotations for Kids by J.A. Senn. Art materials can be anything that can go on the wall - poster board and permanent marker would work well.

Let each family member choose a certain number of quotations to place in a common area (like the bathroom!), and invite them to make up a few as well. The source of the quote should be included in small print and may provide follow-up opportunity for related reading.

Down to Grade/Age:

PreK

Up thru Grade/Age:

High School

literature

The Editing of the Declaration of Independence

Quotable Art