What is the Constitution? Resource Packet
Go beyond the read-aloud with this 49-page Complete Literacy Resource Packet for What Is the Constitution? by Patricia Brennan Demuth, illustrated by Tim Foley.
Designed for grades 3–5, this ready-to-use resource helps students understand why the Constitution was created, how our government is organized, how constitutional ideas developed, and how the document can change over time while building civic vocabulary, comprehension, critical thinking, evidence-based discussion, and writing skills.
The packet includes explicit instruction for eight civic vocabulary words, teacher think-alouds, reading strategy support, graphic organizers, discussion cards, a constitutional timeline, cause-and-effect and perspective activities, branches and powers sorting, text-feature analysis, evidence-based writing tasks, DOK 1–4 activities, multiple assessment options, rubrics, and a complete answer key with teacher look-fors.
Students move beyond simply learning facts about the Constitution to analyze why a new form of government was needed, examine important debates and compromises, explore different perspectives, understand the roles of the three branches of government, consider the importance of rights and amendments, and support their thinking with historical and textual evidence.
Students also have opportunities to apply their learning in meaningful ways—from proposing and defending an amendment to designing, testing, and revising their own classroom constitution. Writing tasks move students from explaining constitutional ideas to developing arguments, analyzing cause and effect, and considering how later amendments expanded the promise of “We the People.”
Perfect for Constitution Day on September 17, a U.S. government or civics unit, an American history study, or anytime you want students to develop a deeper understanding of the Constitution and the ideas behind it.
Purchase this resource individually for $7.99 OR get it FREE with your EA Literacy & Learning membership!
Book not included. This independent educational companion is designed for use with a lawfully obtained copy of What Is the Constitution? The packet does not reproduce the book’s protected text or illustrations and is not authorized, sponsored, or endorsed by the author, illustrator, Who HQ, or Penguin Random House.
