Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024
The Declaration of Independence
Grade Level: This lesson plan is intended for High School U.S. History or Government, ideally 9th or 10th grade.
Subject: Social Studies
Time Allotment: Two class periods (approximately 1.5 hours)
Learning Objectives:
- Students will be able to explain the historical context of the Declaration of Independence.
- Students will be able to identify the key principles and arguments presented in the document.
- Students will be able to analyze the significance of the Declaration of Independence in the American Revolution.
- Students will be able to evaluate the enduring impact of the Declaration on American ideals and government.
Materials:
- Copies of the Declaration of Independence (annotated or with key passages highlighted)
- Whiteboard or projector
- Markers or pens
- Worksheet with guiding questions or graphic organizer (optional)
- Access to online resources or historical documents (optional)
Lesson Procedure:
Day 1: Setting the Stage
- Introduction (10 minutes):
- Briefly introduce the Declaration of Independence and its role in the American Revolution.
- Ask students some activating questions to spark their curiosity:
✵ What do you think a declaration of independence is?
✵ When might a group of people decide to declare independence from another nation?
- Historical Context (20 minutes):
- Lecture or class discussion about the key events and grievances that led to the American Revolution (e.g., French and Indian War, Navigation Acts, Boston Tea Party).
- Students can take notes on a graphic organizer or answer guiding questions to focus their learning.
- Key Players (10 minutes):
- Briefly introduce some of the key figures involved in the writing and signing of the Declaration of Independence (e.g., Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin).
- Document Analysis (20 minutes):
- Divide students into small groups.
- Provide each group with a copy of the Declaration of Independence (annotated or with key passages highlighted).
- Task students with analyzing the document:
✵ Identify the main arguments for independence.
✵ What are the natural rights mentioned in the document?
✵ How does the document justify revolution against a government?
Day 2: Deeper Analysis and Lasting Impact
- Review (5 minutes):
- Briefly review the key arguments and principles identified in the Declaration of Independence.
- Close Reading Activity (30 minutes):
✵ Select a specific passage from the Declaration that embodies a central theme (e.g., the opening paragraph on natural rights, the list of grievances against King George III).
✵ Guide students through a close reading activity where they identify:
- Key vocabulary and their meaning in context.
- Rhetorical devices used by Jefferson (e.g., parallelism, repetition).
- The intended audience and persuasive techniques used.
- Significance and Impact (20 minutes):
- Class discussion on the historical significance of the Declaration of Independence:
✵ How did it influence the course of the American Revolution?
✵ What impact did it have on other revolutions around the world?
- Discuss the enduring impact of the Declaration on American ideals and government:
✵ How do the principles of the Declaration connect to the U.S. Constitution?
✵ How are the ideas of natural rights and limited government still relevant today?
- Extension Activity (15 minutes - optional):
- Have students explore a specific right mentioned in the Declaration (e.g., life, liberty, pursuit of happiness).
✵ Research how this right has been interpreted and debated throughout American history.
✵ Provide opportunities for students to share their findings and engage in respectful discussion.
Assessment:
- Participation in class discussions and group activities
- Worksheet or graphic organizer completed during document analysis
- Short reflection essay on the significance of the Declaration of Independence
- Close reading analysis (if applicable)
Differentiation:
- Provide scaffolding for document analysis by offering guiding questions or a graphic organizer with key prompts.
- Allow students to choose a different passage for close reading based on their interest.
- Offer alternative assessment options, such as creating a visual representation of a key concept or a public service announcement inspired by the Declaration.