The U.S. Constitution

Author: Norman Pearl

Illustrator: Matthew Skeens

Copyright: 2007

Publisher: Picture Window Books

Pearl, N., & Skeens, M. (2007). The U.S. Constitution. Minneapolis, Minn.: Picture Window Books.

Reading Level: 3-4

Lexile Measure: 620L

Genre: Nonfiction, historical.

Description: Historical, factual, informational, government, constitution.

Delivery Suggestion: Individual.

Summary: This nonfiction text provides readers with historical facts about the U.S. Constitution and the government, through the voice of President James Madison. It is formatted through six short chapters, with illustrations, a table on contents, glossary, index, and other useful resources. Learn about the development of the U.S. Constitution, who was involved, where it took place, during what time period, and other important information about the government branches.

Electronic Resources:

World Almanac for Kids This resource provides students with a list of all 27 amendments. It also provides other useful outlets that can help benefit with all other disciplines.

U.S. Constitution Facts This resource, which is provided in the back of the book, provides students with great sites to benefit many educational needs, and in this case, further information regarding the U.S. Constitution. The text provides a special code: 1404826432, which will bring viewers directly to useful information pertaining to this book.

Vocabulary: Amendment, congress, delegates, democracy, national, patriotic, Revolutionary War, Executive branch, Legislative branch, Judicial branch.

Teaching Suggestions:

-Use this book as a read aloud during the initiation of history lesson regarding the U.S. Constitution.

-Use this book when teaching about different text features, such as footnotes, glossary, table of contents, index, headings, and more.

-Use this book as a supplement to lesson regarding rule following. Students can read this book at the beginning of the school year and use what they have learned to create a Classroom Constitution as a class.

Comprehension Strategies:

Before Reading: Provide students with the crucial vocabulary words that are used in the book, that they must know for comprehension purposes (such as the words listed in the glossary). Instruct students to look up the meanings of these words, define them, and create their own personal glossary for this book. Then, have students refer to the glossary provided in the text and compare their definitions. Make any changes to the definitions as needed and encourage students to refer to their glossary as they are reading.

During Reading: As students read the book, have them list down any significant name mentioned in the book. These names are all prominent individuals who contributed to the U.S. Constitution in some way. Have them include a brief description of each individual, including the individual accomplishments in regards to the development of the Constitution. Have them record this information in their writing journals so they can access it later at any time.

After Reading: Students can create a historical timeline using all the dates and significant events discussed in the text. Encourage students to refer back to the text and also to use their glossary to assure they are not leaving out any crucial information. Students can then create a personal timeline of their lives. Instruct students to include one or two sentences explaining the significance of each date/event (for the historical and personal timeline). Provide students with the opportunity to share their personal timelines with their classmates and also put them on display around on the classroom or in the school library.

Writing Activity:

Have students create a Constitution for their own homes. Instruct them to refer back to the text and make connections between the factors and personal involved in the U.S. Constitution and the factors and personal involved in their home environment. Encourage students to share these creations with their families.