Education for Freedom: Lessons on the First
Amendment Elementary, K-5
The elementary Education for Freedom lessons are intended to
help teachers develop students' awareness of the rights identified in
the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Many
complex ideas related to the amendment cannot be explored in the
early grades. However, the essence of these rights can be
understood when presented in a way that relates to the child's life.
The elementary lessons not only relate to the child's
experience but also to the elementary curriculum in general,
stressing particularly language arts and social studies concepts.
Teachers who are concerned about teaching reading will especially
appreciate the array of children's literature recommended in many of
the lessons.
Eight major objectives form the framework for developing
students' awareness of the First Amendment. Students will:
- Understand and demonstrate common forms of
expression.
- Express what a right is.
- Know that the First Amendment protects our
right to free expression and understand that the First
Amendment was added to the Constitution because of the
importance of the rights it protects.
- Recognize that many Americans have come to
the United States to gain freedom of religion.
- Understand the importance of freedom of the
press and recognize that freedom of the press belongs to
young people, not just the institution of the press.
- Recognize that using our rights has
consequences.
- Suggest ways of resolving conflicts that arise
when citizens use their rights.
- Value First Amendment rights.
Teachers may choose to use the lessons in any order. Several
of the lessons will correspond to units being taught in social studies,
such as Pilgrims, Newcomers, and the First Amendment,
which fits with American colonial history, or Viva La
Causa-Cesar Chavez, which can be used during National Hispanic
Heritage Month. Others can be taught when an issue comes up, such
as using rights responsibly. Cry Wolf is a good lesson to help
students understand that with freedoms come responsibilities.
All the lessons use a participatory approach that encourages
students to discuss, role-play, conduct surveys, create projects and become engaged in their learning in other ways. Teachers should feel
free to modify or adapt the lessons to whatever way seems
appropriate for their students and communities.
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