Celebrating Constitution Day at TheHolidayZone.com

We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
-Preamble to the U.S. Constitution

Recommended Books and Resources for Constitution Day

Books for Children


A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution
Written by Betsy Maestro; illustrated by Guilio Maestro
Covers the birth of the Constitution from the initial decision to hold the convention, through the summer meetings in Philadelphia, the ratification struggle, the first election, and the adoption of the Bill of Rights. Text is simple enough for lower elementary students (Grades 2 and up) to understand, but detailed enough to be appropriate for upper elementary and middle school students as well.

. . . If You Were There When They Signed the Constitution
Written by Elizabeth Levy; illustrated by Joan Holub
Although this series of books is not among my favorite, this particular title is fairly well written. It's not necessarily the best title to introduce students to the topic of the U.S. Constitution, but is a good "second resource" to expand their knowledge. Levy presents the basic facts of the framing of the Constitution in a series of questions and answers. She also offers a cursory explanation of the American Revolution, the Articles of Confederation, and Shay's Rebellion as background information. The book's design makes it easy for children to find answers to specific questions and to visualize events in chronological order. Appropriate for students in Grades and beyond.

Shh! We're Writing the Constitution
Written by Jean Fritz; illustrated by Tomie dePaola
A lively account of the birth of the Constitution during a scorching summer with all the windows shut to prevent rumors, a bombardment of bluebottle flies, and New England delegates swathed in woolen suits. Younger readers may need some terms explained, but should be able to understand the bulk of the story with relative ease.

We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States
Illustrated by David Catrow
Artist and political cartoonist David Catrow helps children understand the preamble to America's most famous document in this beautifully-illustrated book. While sticking to the exact text of the preamble, Catrow shows practical ways that even children can enjoy the happiness, safety, and comfort -- the "blessings of liberty."


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Books for Teens/Adults


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Reference Books and Other Educational Resources for Teachers


968527: We The People: Exploring the U.S. Constitution We The People: Exploring the U.S. Constitution
By Charlotte Jaffe & Barbara Roberts / Educational Impressions

We The People provides a comprehensive look at the people and issues involved in the formation of the Constitution. In addition to the factual story of the creation of the document there are included in the resource a variety of materials to encourage critical and creative thinking, vocabulary games and puzzles, and an intriguing trivia section. There is also a Mock Conversation Section that presents guidelines for the development of a simulated classroom Constitutional Convention. A quiz, which may be given as a pre- or post-test, is also included. Grades 4-9.
104913: Bill of Rights Poster Papers (Pack of 30) Bill of Rights Poster Papers (Pack of 30)
By Teaching & Learning Co.

Learn and review important information about the first 10 amendments. A great way to celebrate Constitution Day! Poster Papers are a unique, anytime, anywhere activity your students are sure to enjoy! The finished product is as distinctive as each student and can become a treasured memento of the learning experience. Poster Papers can be used as a valuable assessment tool which requires students to use and show what they know about the topic. 30 poster per package! Two-sided, 22 x 17, hands-on format fits on a desktop yet allows ample space for students to discover, explore and create information on the poster. See enlargement for a picture of the inside and back pages. Level: grades 4-8
104968: Preamble to the U.S. Constitution Poster Papers (Pack of 30) Preamble to the U.S. Constitution Poster Papers (Pack of 30)
By Teaching & Learning Co.

Let your students individualize their civics studies with this set of ready-to-color poster worksheets. Folded to easily color on a desktop, these posters expand out to 22 1/4" x 17 1/4". Activities focus upon the Preamble to the Constitution and include questions based upon the preamble, word bank activities, brainstorm lists, code games, word searches and more. Many aspects are also individualized to the students, asking them to reflect upon their opinions. Posters can be used as take-home activities, warm-ups, school decorations bulletin boards and more. 30 copies, Grades 4-8.
50303: Hail to the Chief Game Hail to the Chief Game
By Talicor Inc.

You could be the next president! First you'll campaign for delegate votes, then go for electoral votes. Along the way, you'll answer questions on the presidency, the Constitution, U.S. history, and geography. Four play levels means kids and adults can "run for office" together. Two to four players, ages 10 and up.
70563: Understanding the U.S. Constitution Grades 5-8+ Understanding the U.S. Constitution Grades 5-8+
By Mark Strange / Carson-dellosa Publishing

Today's students, tomorrow's voters---help your kids cherish the freedoms that make America strong! Examining our nation's founding document, this workbook offers engaging activities that will help young citizens grasp the history, makeup, and meaning of this great charter of liberty. Includes a copy of the Constitution, a test, and answer key. Grades 5 to 8. 108 perforated reproducible pages, softcover from Carson-Dellosa.
863301: U.S. Flags Sparkle Stickers U.S. Flags Sparkle Stickers
By Trend Enterprises

Kids of all ages love collecting and trading these dynamic dazzlers! Variety of sticker sizes on each sheet. 34-40 stickers per pack. Acid free, non-toxic, photo safe.
416542: Waving Flags Shape Stickers Waving Flags Shape Stickers
By School Specialty Publishing

Colorful shape stickers to decorate graded papers, to give as rewards, to create games and activities with, or to brighten someone's day. Kids love to collect them too! Package of 32.
11802X: Just The Facts Learning Series: U.S. Constitution/Bill of Rights, (2 Volume Gift Boxed Set - DVD) Just The Facts Learning Series: U.S. Constitution/Bill of Rights, (2 Volume Gift Boxed Set - DVD)
By Goldhil Entertainment

Learn the facts about the documents that make America great!

United States Constitution
No official document is more important than The Constitution of the United States of America. This dynamic, enduring document is the supreme law of the land. It is designed to enhance the value and dignity of the individual and make certain the individual is never a servant to the state. Orderly systems of government, a president who is held accountable by Congress and brilliantly conceived checks and balances all flow from the Constitution and have served as the backbone of the greatest nation in history. It has stood the test of time and remains viable and fresh in an age, when life is much different than when it was written. This production combines the insight of American Political Science experts on the interpretation of The Constitution with live action and documentary photography to explain and amplify this extraordinary document.

United States Bill of Rights
When the Constitution was written, certain framers, powerful political leaders of their day, like Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams and Patrick Henry, insisted on adding basic legal protections to ensure individual rights. As a consequence the first ten amendments were added to clarify the rights of the citizens of the United States of America, and are knows as the Bill of Rights. These are essential human rights, granted to all of us, that we should know and understand. In this video they are laid out in very easy-to-understand language, with comments from noted American Political Science experts form major universities who help interpret the language of this essential document. All subsequent amendments are also reviewed, including such important national issues as slavery, prohibition, and the extension of voting right to all citizens.

This collection is essential viewing for any student of American History, and anyone interested in understanding our national heritage, rights and system of government. The Just The Facts Learning Series brings you the United States Constitution and The Bill of Rights in a fast-paced style that makes learning fun!

Special Features:

  • Interactive Full-Motion Menus
  • Scene Index
  • A Teacher's User Guide
  • Bonus Profile Of John Locke
  • Bonus Profile of James Madison
  • Multiple-Choice Quiz
  • U.S. Constitution Complete Text with Printable PDF
  • Bill of Rights Complete Text with Printable PDF
  • Trailers
100 minutes on 2 DVDs.

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