Constitution Day

On September 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed by thirty-nine brave men who changed the course of history.  Constitution Day is observed every year on September 17th.  I certainly do not expect C and R to understand the constitution, but I think they are old enough to know that the constitution provides us with rights and freedoms.

This week we read We the Kids by David Catrow.  This picture book is a great introduction to the preamble to the constitution.  Catrow's funny illustrations help to explain what the preamble is, and there is a great glossary in the beginning of the book to help children understand the language of the preamble.  I am not going to pretend that C and R were interested in the language of the preamble.  More than once, I was told it was boring.  They did like the illustrations though.  Like I said, my goal was simply to introduce them to the constitution.

They did enjoy watching the Schoolhouse Rock video of the preamble on YouTube.  I recommend watching this with  your kids.  I love Schoolhouse Rock!

After reading the book, C and R made American flags.  We cut out seven red stripes and six white stripes (I did most of the cutting, but they did cut one or two stripes).  They glued the stripes to a large piece of paper.  Then they glued a blue rectangle in the top left corner and stuck fifty star stickers on the blue.  Our stars were tiny so, unfortunately, they are not proportionate to the flags, but the idea is there.

Don't forget to wear red, white, and blue tomorrow for Constitution Day!

I am linking this post to stArt at A Mommy's Adventures.