The United States of America:: Its Birth and Its Constitution
Pebble plus. Series
What’s inside...
Simple text and full-color photographs illustrate the land, animals, and people of the United States of America. Provided by publisher. Book by Vanderboegh, Don
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think were some of the biggest challenges the founders of the United States faced while creating the Constitution?
How do you think the Constitution affects our daily lives today?
Why is it important for a country to have laws like those found in the Constitution?
If you could add one rule to the Constitution, what would it be and why?
How do you think the United States might be different if it didn't have the Constitution?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child what they already know about the Constitution or the founding of the United States to build on existing knowledge.
Encourage your child to think about how the themes in the book relate to current events or their own experiences to make the discussion more relatable.
Highlight the significance of teamwork and compromise shown in the book, discussing how these values play out in their everyday interactions.
Use creative analogies or examples to explain complex ideas like democracy and governance to match their comprehension level.
Praise your child’s responses and insights to boost their confidence and engagement in the topic.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Democracy
Explanation: The book explores how the United States was founded on democratic principles. It details the drafting of the U.S. Constitution and explains the significance of a government 'by the people, for the people'.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their voice and understand the importance of participating in democratic processes, like voting and public discourse, even from a young age through school or community decisions.
Example Lesson: Understanding Rights and Responsibilities
Explanation: Through the discussions on the Bill of Rights, the book educates on fundamental rights such as freedom of speech and religion, while also emphasizing the responsibilities that accompany these rights.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by respecting others' rights in daily interactions and understanding their roles in maintaining a respectful and free society.
Example Lesson: The Value of Compromise
Explanation: The book highlights the Great Compromise during the Constitutional Convention, which resolved disputes between larger and smaller states by creating a bicameral legislature.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of negotiation and finding middle ground in conflicts, applicable in resolving disputes at school or among siblings.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: The narrative includes various perspectives in the formation of the United States, reflecting the diverse thoughts and backgrounds of the Founding Fathers.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and cultural backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and respect among peers.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: The book provides a detailed account of historical events and figures, helping children understand the context and significance of America's foundational moments.
Real-World Application: This empowers children to connect past events with present circumstances, enhancing critical thinking and appreciation for history.