Activity Overview
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.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Write the Declaration of Independence in your own words.
Student Instructions:
- Using the template provided, write the Declaration of Independence using your own words.
- Remember to write it as if it was written today, not many years ago!
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The writing is clear and uses complete sentences. The worksheet is complete and correct. | The writing is somewhat clear and uses some complete sentences. The worksheet is complete with some incorrect responses. | The worksheet is incomplete or mostly incorrect. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
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.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Write the Declaration of Independence in your own words.
Student Instructions:
- Using the template provided, write the Declaration of Independence using your own words.
- Remember to write it as if it was written today, not many years ago!
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The writing is clear and uses complete sentences. The worksheet is complete and correct. | The writing is somewhat clear and uses some complete sentences. The worksheet is complete with some incorrect responses. | The worksheet is incomplete or mostly incorrect. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about The Declaration of Independence in My Own Words
How to Facilitate a Declaration of Independence Mock Debate in Your Classroom
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.
Introduce the Historical Context and Key Perspectives
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.
Assign Students Roles as Patriots, Loyalists, or Moderates
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.
Prepare Arguments Using Evidence from the Declaration
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.
Hold the Mock Debate and Encourage Respectful Dialogue
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.
Reflect on the Experience and Connect to Modern Issues
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Declaration of Independence in My Own Words
What is the best way to help students understand the Declaration of Independence?
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.
How can I teach the Declaration of Independence to middle and high school students?
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.
Why is it important for students to rewrite historical documents in their own words?
Rewriting historical documents in their own words helps students process complex language, ensures comprehension, and fosters a personal connection to significant events and ideas.
What are some quick lesson ideas for teaching the Declaration of Independence?
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.
What is the purpose of having students paraphrase the Declaration of Independence?
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.
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