In this lesson 6, students will read Shhh! We're Writing the Constitution by Jean Fritz and review key vocabulary from the text to become proficient with the meaning of the vocabulary words. Students will also have the opportunity to recall the words throughout the text. The teacher will review chronological order as a form of text structure and have students arrange historical events from the story in the order they took place. The teacher will also discuss the compare and contrast text structure, as it applies to the text. While reviewing chronological order, students will explain the goals of the 1787 Constitutional Convention. The idea is that while reviewing the chronological order, students will use a graphic organizer to explain historical events as mentioned in the text. The teacher will do a mini lesson to review primary and secondary sources if necessary.

This unit will help students understand why and how the Constitution was created, including: the original thirteen colonies and important historical figures present during the creation, the challenges and conflicts that state representatives faced during writing the Constitution, motifs and themes during the “Grand Convention,” and the relationship between state and national constitutions. Lessons will allow students to identify citizens’ civic duties outlined by the Constitution, the relationship between the federal and state Constitutions, and important historical symbols. Each part of the unit will include an in-depth dive into vocabulary and how it applies to the meaning of the text.

This resource uses a book that is on the Florida Department of Education's reading list. This book is not provided with this resource.