The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in U.S. history, arguably second only to the Constitution itself. A deep understanding of it will illuminate the causes of the American Revolution, and the vision of the Founding Fathers for the new country. For this activity, students will rewrite the Declaration of Independence in their own words. This is a great way for them to demonstrate how much they understood and their ability to parse historical texts.
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Due Date:
Objective: Write the Declaration of Independence in your own words.
Student Instructions:
Engage your students by recreating the debates of 1776. This activity helps learners think critically about the ideas and perspectives of the era while practicing respectful discourse.
Share a brief overview of the events leading up to the Declaration of Independence. Highlight both the colonists’ and the loyalists’ viewpoints to set the stage for thoughtful discussion.
Distribute role cards or descriptions so each student represents a specific perspective. Encourage them to research and embody their assigned viewpoint to make the debate authentic.
Guide students to find quotes or ideas from the Declaration that support their side. This reinforces close reading and helps students use historical evidence in their reasoning.
Facilitate a class debate where students present their arguments and respond to others. Remind them to listen actively and respond thoughtfully for a positive learning experience.
Have students write or discuss what they learned about expressing opinions, understanding others, and the importance of the Declaration. This helps them connect historical debates to current events and civic engagement.
The best way to help students understand the Declaration of Independence is to have them rewrite it in their own words. This activity encourages close reading, critical thinking, and personal engagement with the text.
To teach the Declaration of Independence to grades 6–12, use worksheets that prompt students to paraphrase the document, discuss its key themes, and relate its ideas to today’s world. Encourage group or individual work for deeper analysis.
Rewriting historical documents in their own words helps students process complex language, ensures comprehension, and fosters a personal connection to significant events and ideas.
Quick lessons include: summarizing the document in modern language, comparing original phrases to paraphrased versions, and discussing the historical context and impact of its ideas.
The purpose of paraphrasing the Declaration of Independence is to deepen understanding by translating formal, historical language into everyday speech, making the core concepts more accessible.