Introduction to the unit- notes on power point about chapter(s) containing the U.S. Constitution and the constitutional convention. I will show a video from youtube on the powerpoint about the need for the convention http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5NosqRkq3s&feature=related
Following the notes and the video, I will have a discussion about difficulties for the writers. As an intro to this topic I will show a youtube video about problems: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EbLqREY69s&feature=channel_page
(9:05 - 9:50 AM) English
Introduce new unit on early colonial literature. In this 10 day unit student will be exploring a wide range of material from the colonial period. On Day 1 students will examine the constitution as literary document.
Constitution lesson- review what the class learned in Social Studies about the history and significance of the document. We will build off of this information as well as introducing new concepts about the constitution.
Hand out copies of the constitution and read the preamble aloud to the class
In Class Writing Activity- Break up students into groups of 5 and have them create their own Constitution. Prompt: Imagine that you live in a country that has just gained its independence. You have been asked to create a document to serve as the guiding principles of your new nation. Use our own U.S. Constitution as a guideline to create your own. Your document does not need to be nearly as thorough but you should be able to clearly address important issues and discuss the values that will guide your country's future generations. Guidelines: You need to give your document a title. Should include the name of your newfound country. You need to work cooperatively and incoorperate the ideas of all the members of your group. A good constitution is a diverse document that reflects multiple perspectives of an ideal nation. Begin with a preamble which will serve as an introduction to your constitution. You will then need to add sections or articles to the paper- each addressing a new topic or issue. (Much like essay's you have written for me in the past. Each body paragraph introduces a new point to support your thesis.) The paper should be no longer than 3 pages handwritten. I want your paper to be thorough but it should focus on the things that you find to be most important in establishing a new country. Use all of class time to brainstorm ideas in groups and begin rough drafts. I will be available at my desk for any questions you have or suggestions if you get stuck. Assignment's for Tomorrow: Continue thinking about ideas for constitution. Rough drafts will be due Wednesday so you might need to meet with your groups outside of class to get them finished. No additional homework for Tuesday's class.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5NosqRkq3s&feature=related
Following the notes and the video, I will have a discussion about difficulties for the writers. As an intro to this topic I will show a youtube video about problems: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EbLqREY69s&feature=channel_page
- Introduce new unit on early colonial literature. In this 10 day unit student will be exploring a wide range of material from the colonial period. On Day 1 students will examine the constitution as literary document.
- Constitution lesson- review what the class learned in Social Studies about the history and significance of the document. We will build off of this information as well as introducing new concepts about the constitution.
- Hand out copies of the constitution and read the preamble aloud to the class
In Class Writing Activity- Break up students into groups of 5 and have them create their own Constitution. Prompt: Imagine that you live in a country that has just gained its independence. You have been asked to create a document to serve as the guiding principles of your new nation. Use our own U.S. Constitution as a guideline to create your own. Your document does not need to be nearly as thorough but you should be able to clearly address important issues and discuss the values that will guide your country's future generations.Guidelines: You need to give your document a title. Should include the name of your newfound country. You need to work cooperatively and incoorperate the ideas of all the members of your group. A good constitution is a diverse document that reflects multiple perspectives of an ideal nation. Begin with a preamble which will serve as an introduction to your constitution. You will then need to add sections or articles to the paper- each addressing a new topic or issue. (Much like essay's you have written for me in the past. Each body paragraph introduces a new point to support your thesis.) The paper should be no longer than 3 pages handwritten. I want your paper to be thorough but it should focus on the things that you find to be most important in establishing a new country. Use all of class time to brainstorm ideas in groups and begin rough drafts. I will be available at my desk for any questions you have or suggestions if you get stuck.
Assignment's for Tomorrow: Continue thinking about ideas for constitution. Rough drafts will be due Wednesday so you might need to meet with your groups outside of class to get them finished. No additional homework for Tuesday's class.