Teaching the Declaration without Overwhelming Students. Ah, the Declaration of Independence, a document so essential to understanding our American past and present that every student should read and learn about it. Luckily, its ideas and historical significance are truly engaging and can help make its difficult eighteenth century prose more accessible for our students. Below are some ideas: How about starting with an idea or line from the document? One of our favorites is the line regarding the right and duty for those threatened with absolute tyranny to “throw off such government.” This is one of several powerful ideas in the Declaration that can engage students before they confront the entire document. (It could also be just considering the document’s title!
Considering the historical and contemporary significance of the document can also engage. As far as reading the document, we suggest two intertwined approaches (both to be used with a transcribed version). 1. 2. Some other ideas include: Looking at the original document. Declaration of Independence. The Muppets Reenact the Continental Congress. Brent Riggs - Designer, Author, Business Man - The Declaration of Independence – A Modern Language Version by Brent Riggs. Author Preface The Declaration of Independence is an incredible document that communicates the reasons why many people pledged their life, wealth and honor to risk war and death to create the United States of America we now take for granted.
For many years I have enjoyed rewriting texts like Puritan Prayers and classic sermons from centuries gone by so that my generation can be effected by them as the original readers/listeners were. It is an unfortunate, but undeniable fact that the common vocabulary and reading comprehension today is much lower than in previous eras. Given that, plus the natural changes in language that occur over time, it is simply too much work for the average, and even advanced reader, to dissect and comprehend much of the older writings. As well, the style of past authors was generally much more complex, whereas we have become accustomed to short, simple, bite sized sentences. This is neither good or bad, it is simply a fact. Blessings,Brent Riggs Georgia: · Lyman Hall. Join the Signers.
John Adams - Declaration of Independence. Too Late to Apologize: A Declaration. John Adams - Declaration of Independence. DOC - NFL Tribute. Declaration of Independence.