LEARNING ACTIVITY – ELEMENTARY LEVEL

The Declaration of Independence: Differentiated Lesson Plan

Overview

The purpose of this activity is to engage students at varying academic levels in an examination of the Declaration of Independence. Below-level/ELL students will review the historical setting and influential figures surrounding the writing of the Declaration. On-level students will examine parts of the document. Above-level students will examine various source documents for five key phrases from the Declaration. All learners will “rewrite” the Declaration as they evaluate selected wording choices in the document and defend their decisions in class discussion.

Objectives

After completing this learning activity, students will be able to:
Explain the importance of the Declaration of Independence
Identify and/or analyze key concepts put forth in the Declaration of Independence
Evaluate alternate wording choices in the Declaration and defend their decisions

Declaration of Independence

Time Required
Two class periods
Recommended Grade Range
4-5

Topic

United States History/Government

Subject

Social Studies, Language Arts (Reading)

Standards

McREL 4th Edition Standards & Benchmarks

Grades K-4 History

Standard 4. Understands how democratic values came to be, and how they have been exemplified by people, events, and symbols

United States History

Standard 6. Understands the causes of the American Revolution, the ideas and interests involved in shaping the revolutionary movement, and reasons for the American victory.

Language Arts: Reading

Standard 7. Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of informational texts

Language Arts: Listening and Speaking

Standard 8. Uses listening and speaking strategies for different purposes

Thinking and Reasoning

Standard 6. Applies decision-making techniques.

Credits

Lesson created by Cynthia L. Buher, Whittier Elementary School, Wheaton-Warrenville CUSD #200, Illinois