In this activity, students will use a grid storyboard to detail excerpts from the Declaration of Independence and explain what it means to them. The significance should stem from a historically based opinion, supporting the wording of the document with factually correct ideas. By putting excerpts alongside student’s interpretation, students will be able to dig deeper into the document and it can prompt classroom discussion. Students will be able to analyze and explain what each excerpt they select from the Declaration means to them, while also analyzing the language, text, and major ideas from the document itself.
Have students select excerpts from France’s Declaration of Rights of Man, and connect what it might mean to them with how it was influenced by the American Declaration of Independence. This will again allow deeper analysis as well as a connective force between two seminal documents.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that illustrates what you think the Declaration of Independence means.
Model citing specific phrases from the Declaration by reading an excerpt aloud, highlighting a key phrase, and explaining how it supports a main idea. Demonstrate how to connect the quote to their interpretation using sentence stems like “This shows…” or “This means because…”.
Ask students to explain excerpts using everyday language before writing their formal responses. This deepens comprehension and helps them internalize meaning.
Organize students into groups to share their interpretations of selected quotes. Encourage them to ask clarifying questions and respectfully challenge each other’s ideas to promote critical thinking.
Give students sentence stems such as “This excerpt is important because…” or “The author’s purpose was likely…” to scaffold their analytical writing and speaking.
Host a gallery walk or showcase where students display their storyboard interpretations. Encourage positive feedback and reflection on differing perspectives to build a supportive classroom community.
High school students can analyze the Declaration of Independence by selecting excerpts, explaining their meaning, and supporting their interpretations with historical evidence. Using a storyboard grid, students pair quotes with personal explanations to deepen understanding and encourage classroom discussion.
A storyboard grid activity involves students choosing excerpts from the Declaration of Independence, summarizing their meaning, and illustrating each scene. This visual approach helps students interpret the document and connect with its main ideas in a creative, engaging way.
Encourage students to compare excerpts from both documents and discuss influences and similarities. Ask them to analyze how ideas from the American Declaration inspired France's Declaration of the Rights of Man, fostering a deeper understanding of historical connections.
Ask students: What does this excerpt mean to you? Why do you think the authors chose this wording? How does this idea relate to modern society? Such questions prompt personal reflection and critical analysis of the text.
Explaining the significance helps students develop historical thinking skills, understand the document’s impact, and connect its principles to current events. This approach encourages deeper learning and personal engagement with foundational texts.