We The People: Celebrating Constitution Day In Your Homeschool

Constitution Day History

The United States Constitution is the oldest written constitution still in use, and provides a foundation for liberty that has been replicated time and again in democratic countries around the world. It has been amended 27 times, allowing for a path to change while providing stability through the system of checks and balances designed to protect individual rights and prevent tyranny. It, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, expresses the ideals that define us as a people and a nation.

Constitution Day was established as a national observance in 2004, commemorating the signing of the US Constitution on September 17, 1787, and recognizing those who are citizens of the United States either by birth or by naturalization. Check out Constitutionday.com for full texts of the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights, as well as brief biographies of the 39 delegates who endorsed the original document.

Constitution Day Activities

Do you know about the secret meetings that led to the creation of the US Constitution? Or how the Iroquois Confederacy of Nations contributed to the development of the Constitution? This Constitution unit study from The Homeschool Mom introduces the document, the Republic, and the day chosen to honor the Constitution with free lesson plans, recommended reading, hands-on activities, and more.

Learn through play with these eight Constitution Day activities for elementary, middle, and high school students. Students can have fun learning about the Constitution with free games from iCivics, learn the preamble to the Constitution by heart with a catchy song, debate, create their own governing document, and examine the responsibilities of the Commander in Chief by writing a “help wanted” ad for the position of US president.

The Constitution Day toolkit from Civics Renewal Network features a wide range of games, resources, and activities for families and students of all ages. Role play with interactive games to learn about the differing opinions of the Colonists in 1787 and confront the challenges of leading a fledgling nation; check out interactive Constitution guides to examine the meaning of the original text as well as explore areas of agreement and disagreement about the text and history and how it’s been interpreted over time; and browse a variety of lesson plans to help bring history to life in your homeschool.

Parks, schools, libraries, and historical sites all over the country host Constitution Day celebrations and activities. Consider planning a field trip to join the festivities at James Madison’s Montpelier, the Museum of Yorktown, or Colonial Williamsburg, or check online for more events near you.