Activity Overview
In this activity, students will use a spider map to detail and explain four or more excerpts, directly from the Declaration of Independence. Through the expansive, detailed cell type within the storyboard, students will organize the excerpts and create a visual interpretation. Students will be able to explain and analyze each excerpt from the document. This will force students to read the document verbatim and put the documents words into their own language.
| Excerpt | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal...with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." | This excerpt is one of the most recognizable in the English language. It declares that all men are born with natural rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The declaration will expand off this, stating how these rights were violated by Great Britain. | "The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States." | This excerpt states the negative connotations and feelings towards King George III by the colonists. His repeated "injuries and usurpations" against them have directly prevented them from leading the lives they've desired. Therefore, he is a tyrannical, unjust ruler. |
| "That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government..." | This excerpt declares that if a government does not work, it is the people's right to change it or get rid of it. This means that because Great Britain's monarchical government is causing oppression, the colonists have the right to overthrow it and create a new, better government. |
| "We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America...That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States..." | This excerpt is a literal example within the Declaration declaring freedom and independence. Because of the repeated injuries and oppressive nature against the colonies, the United States should be free. This is to ensure they dictate their lives, not Great Britain. |
Extended Activity
Have students select four or more excerpts from France’s Declaration of the Rights of Man, using a similar spider map storyboard. Students should again attempt to draw comparisons from a contextual perspective, identifying similar language or ideas. Students should connect these ideas with that of the Declaration and American Revolution.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard analyzing four excerpts from the Declaration of Independence.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, enter a short quote from the Declaration.
- In the description boxes, write a short paraphrase explaining what the excerpt means in your own words.
- Create an illustration for each quote, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
In this activity, students will use a spider map to detail and explain four or more excerpts, directly from the Declaration of Independence. Through the expansive, detailed cell type within the storyboard, students will organize the excerpts and create a visual interpretation. Students will be able to explain and analyze each excerpt from the document. This will force students to read the document verbatim and put the documents words into their own language.
| Excerpt | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal...with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." | This excerpt is one of the most recognizable in the English language. It declares that all men are born with natural rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The declaration will expand off this, stating how these rights were violated by Great Britain. | "The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States." | This excerpt states the negative connotations and feelings towards King George III by the colonists. His repeated "injuries and usurpations" against them have directly prevented them from leading the lives they've desired. Therefore, he is a tyrannical, unjust ruler. |
| "That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government..." | This excerpt declares that if a government does not work, it is the people's right to change it or get rid of it. This means that because Great Britain's monarchical government is causing oppression, the colonists have the right to overthrow it and create a new, better government. |
| "We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America...That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States..." | This excerpt is a literal example within the Declaration declaring freedom and independence. Because of the repeated injuries and oppressive nature against the colonies, the United States should be free. This is to ensure they dictate their lives, not Great Britain. |
Extended Activity
Have students select four or more excerpts from France’s Declaration of the Rights of Man, using a similar spider map storyboard. Students should again attempt to draw comparisons from a contextual perspective, identifying similar language or ideas. Students should connect these ideas with that of the Declaration and American Revolution.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard analyzing four excerpts from the Declaration of Independence.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, enter a short quote from the Declaration.
- In the description boxes, write a short paraphrase explaining what the excerpt means in your own words.
- Create an illustration for each quote, using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Excerpt Analysis on the Declaration of Independence
Make Primary Source Analysis Accessible for Younger Students
Adapt the excerpt analysis activity for grades 2–8 by selecting shorter, simpler excerpts and providing definitions for challenging vocabulary. Use visual cues like icons or images to help students connect ideas to the historical context and encourage them to express understanding through drawings or short sentences.
Model Analyzing a Historical Excerpt with Think-Aloud Strategies
Demonstrate how to break down a Declaration excerpt by reading it aloud and verbalizing your thought process. Pause to define tricky words, summarize meaning, and connect to students' lives. This helps students learn critical analysis in a supportive, step-by-step way.
Guide Students in Paraphrasing Using Graphic Organizers
Provide a simple graphic organizer for students to record the original excerpt, unfamiliar words, and their own paraphrased version. Encourage students to use their own words and compare with peers to build confidence and comprehension.
Facilitate Small Group Discussions to Deepen Understanding
Organize students into small groups to share and discuss their paraphrases and illustrations. Prompt them with guiding questions and encourage respectful listening. This collaboration boosts critical thinking and engagement.
Incorporate Quick Assessment to Check for Understanding
Use a short exit ticket, quiz, or verbal check-in where students restate the meaning of an excerpt in their own words. Monitor for misconceptions and provide feedback to reinforce learning.
Frequently Asked Questions about Excerpt Analysis on the Declaration of Independence
What is an excerpt analysis of the Declaration of Independence?
An excerpt analysis of the Declaration of Independence involves selecting key passages from the document and explaining their meaning, context, and significance. This helps students better understand the Founding Fathers' intentions and the principles behind American independence.
How can I teach students to analyze excerpts from the Declaration of Independence?
To teach students excerpt analysis, have them choose important quotes, paraphrase the meaning in their own words, and create visual representations (like a spider map). This process deepens comprehension by encouraging close reading and interpretation.
What are some key excerpts from the Declaration of Independence to focus on?
Key excerpts include: "All men are created equal...life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," criticisms of King George III, the right of people to alter or abolish government, and the formal declaration of independence.
What is a spider map, and how does it help with excerpt analysis?
A spider map is a graphic organizer where a central idea branches out to related concepts. For excerpt analysis, students use a spider map to visually connect excerpts with their explanations and illustrations, organizing thoughts clearly.
How do the Declaration of Independence and France’s Declaration of the Rights of Man compare?
Both documents emphasize natural rights and the idea that government should protect these rights. Comparing them helps students see shared Enlightenment principles and how revolutionary ideas spread across nations.
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