Engaging Constitution Day Activities for All Grade Levels – The TPT Blog

Constitution Day, previously known as Citizen Day, is observed on September 17 each year. This day marks the anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution in 1787. Schools across the country take this opportunity to delve into the rich history of this significant document. For educational institutions receiving federal funding, it is mandated by law to provide some educational programming about the Constitution on this day. 

Observing Constitution Day provides an ideal moment for students of all ages to engage with the principles that underpin American democracy. To bring this historic document to life in classrooms, here are several engaging Constitution Day activities designed to enhance students’ understanding while making learning exciting.

1. Start with the Basics

Kick off Constitution Day with an introductory lesson or activity that presents the Constitution in a manner suited to your students’ age. Discuss its layers of importance, the historical context surrounding its creation, and its role in shaping the U.S. government and the rights of its citizens from 1787 down to the present. 

This U.S. Constitution Activities/US Constitution Day 1st/2nd/3rd Grade resource by Happy Days in First Grade includes 33 pages filled with informational posters, student readers, and child-friendly activities that clarify the purpose of the Constitution and Preamble, the distinctions between rights versus responsibilities, fostering good citizenship, and understanding freedom in an age-appropriate manner.

This Bill of Rights Reading Comprehension Constitution Worksheet by Teaching to the Middle offers a concise overview of the Bill of Rights, guiding students to read scenarios and label which right is exemplified. The lesson concludes with a 15-question quiz to assess comprehension.

This Constitution Day Activity by A Social Studies Life encourages students in grades 8-10 to discuss Constitutional issues collaboratively, complete with background information, discussion prompts, and interactive notebook pages.

The U.S. Constitution PowerPoint and Guided Notes from History Gal is ideal for grades 9-12, featuring 67 slides covering everything from Federalism to amendments, with editable text for customization and a digital version available.

2. Draft a Classroom Constitution

One of the most engaging ways to teach about the Constitution is through collaborative creation. Invite students to help draft a classroom constitution. This activity allows them to discuss, propose, and vote on rules governing their classroom—making it a valuable educational tool as well as a classroom management strategy at the school year’s inception.

This Class Constitution Activity by Cameron Brazleton engages students from grades 3-8 to build a successful learning environment collectively, rather than having a traditional top-down rule setup. The resource includes guiding questions and instructions.

The Class Constitution: Creating a Classroom Constitution & Preamble resource by Mister Harms encourages each student’s voice to be heard as they actively participate in forming an official document for their classroom. The process includes group drafting of goals and purposes, culminating in a ratification and signing ceremony.

3. Interact with the U.S. Constitution

Make learning interactive through activities that involve students directly with the U.S. Constitution. Consider a scavenger hunt or an escape room with clues that prompt students to research specific articles, amendments, or historical facts. For younger learners, employ lapbooks or craftivity projects to engage them in creating, assembling, and organizing Constitution-related information, reinforcing retention and understanding.

The US Constitution Day Lap Book by Hooty’s Homeroom is designed for grades 3-5, offering an interactive way to study the U.S. Constitution through hands-on activities that students can reference throughout the year.

The Constitution Day PowerPoint & Craftivity from Deb Hanson introduces students to the three branches of government and discusses checks and balances through engaging slides and a hands-on project.

The exciting U.S. Constitution ESCAPE ROOM Activity! designed for grades 4-8 from Think Tank invites students on a thrilling mission around the classroom while solving questions about the U.S. Constitution, Preamble, and the Founding Fathers.

Engage students further with the US Constitution Day Worksheet Activity Scavenger Hunt from History with Mr. E, crafted for grades 5-8, featuring a 30-question worksheet that immerses students in exploring the U.S. Constitution interactively.

This 7 Principles of the Constitution PowerPoint, Foldable, and Activities by Ms. Social Studies Teacher includes an editable PowerPoint presentation outlining the seven guiding principles of the Constitution.

4. Collaborate on a Constitution Poster

Students can express their creativity by designing posters that illustrate essential elements of the Constitution, such as the three branches of government or the rights outlined in the Bill of Rights. This is a fantastic way to decorate the classroom or school hallway with student-centric artwork!

This U.S. Constitution Preamble Collaborative Poster by Art with Jenny K is a fun Constitution Day project suitable for grades 1-8, employing 30 pieces that can be printed and assembled into a large collaborative poster.

Celebrate Constitution Day with TPT

Elevate your students’ understanding of the Constitution and the crafting process involved in creating such an important document by utilizing numerous Constitution Day resources. Transform September 17th into a memorable celebration filled with engaged learning through games, crafts, and interactive activities that resonate throughout the school year!