Using games to teach homeschoolers the Constitution helps to solidify the information to them. It is not easy to understand, but an important document to learn. Each year I attempt to read through the Bible and our Constitution. Even though the information is difficult to understand, knowing our Rights as American Citizens is important.
In our homeschool, history is an important subject. Learning the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights is on my list of graduation requirements. Therefore, studying the actual document to decipher what they are saying is important. I did find a Children’s version called “Our Constitution Rocks”. This version is great for grades 6 and up. Here is how I teach the Constitution:
Teaching the Content of the Constitution
Our founding fathers’ packed a lot of content into this document. Therefore, it is hard to understand if you don’t break it down into pieces. In the version mentioned above, this young girl who wrote it did a good job of helping with the meaning. When I teach this class I use notes. First, when they write down what they learn, it is the first puzzle piece. I always have my kids write down what they just read.
After they write it down, I check it for correct information. This leads us to questions. Holding a discussion to see what they found interesting brings our topics to talk about. History becomes more real when you discuss what you learn and how important the topic is to them. To teach homeschoolers history you have to know what they care about. The Constitution holds many parts, but knowing what they like will trigger deeper understanding of the lessons.
Games to Teach Homeschoolers the Constitution
There are several games to play that will reiterate the Constitution. Many year’s ago at a homeschool convention I purchased a card set called “The Constitution”. It has paid for itself over and over. This game has several games that can be played and used to teach topics of the Constitution. We love to play these games, and I have used them in several of my history zoom courses that I teach. In addition to that I use them in a co-op and in person history sessions that I teach.
Another idea for teaching the Constitution is to play hangman. Find keywords that you want them to learn and remember as you teach. For instance, I used “Supreme Court” as the word to find. Each letter they guess and miss I write on the board so they see what letters they have used. If they solve the puzzle early, then they get 2 points.
The winner who solves the word in hangman gets to tell what they know about the Supreme Court.
Debates and Presentations
Another way that I teach is through debates and presentations. This not only helps kids with their debating skills, but also confidence. Identifying ways to keep cool in a disagreement with others’ who don’t necessarily agree with you is important.
Debates teach homeschoolers to think critically, plan a topic, research and practice. There are teams that allow homeschoolers to participate in debate and discussion. Presentations give them the confidence to get in front of others’ and speak. Many years’ ago I participated in Toastmasters. This is an organization that holds public speaking events each week.
Learning Objectives for Homeschoolers
Finally, it is important to always start with learning objectives. I know it is the last section of the blog post, but, in planning it needs to be the first item. All other items like games and presentations come later, but distinguish the learning objectives first.
Next, teach homeschoolers’ the importance of following a schedule or syllabus. In life, no one is going to tell them when to do something. Learning how to be self sufficient is an important part of homeschooling. Give deadlines for the lessons, but also make sure to go over necessary information in case they do not understand. One of my learning objectives is that homeschoolers’ learn the basic outline of the Constitution. If they walk away with nothing else, this is important. So, set up your learning objectives and teach homeschoolers the Constitution with games.
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