This is lesson # 1 in the text unit series for 12 for the text SHH! We’re Writing the Constitution by Jean Fritz. This lesson will introduce and teach vocabulary found in the text. Students will demonstrate understanding of the academic vocabulary as found in the text. The teacher will assess background knowledge students have about the Constitution. Students will also discuss why the U.S. Constitution was created while identifying the central idea of the selected text and how the relevant details provide support.

This unit will help students understand why and how the Constitution was created, including: the original thirteen colonies and important historical figures present during the creation, the challenges and conflicts that state representatives faced during writing the Constitution, motifs and themes during the “Grand Convention,” and the relationship between state and national constitutions. Lessons will allow students to identify citizens’ civic duties outlined by the Constitution, the relationship between the federal and state Constitutions, and important historical symbols. Each part of the unit will include an in-depth dive into vocabulary and how it applies to the meaning of the text.

This resource uses a book that is on the Florida Department of Education's reading list. This book is not provided with this resource.