Teaching the Declaration of Independence

Primary source materials such as the Declaration of Independence can be difficult for students to comprehend without intentional scaffolding and thoughtful discussion. Without an understanding of the language and historical context, a student’s understanding of historically significant works can be impeded, thus obscuring connections between the past and present. Primary source materials, therefore, can feel abstract and obsolete for students today. However, such sources provide an important opportunity to build comprehension skills while allowing students to stretch their learning and connect the past to the present. The following lessons provide opportunities to build important historical background knowledge and break down language barriers, allowing students to examine and reinterpret this foundational document.