Teaching the Declaration of Independence.test

To critically analyze a historical text like the Declaration of Independence, students first need to build background knowledge. This lesson provides historical context through video, class notes, individual investigations, and team collaboration. 

Now that students have built background knowledge on the historical circumstances surrounding the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, they will begin to examine the text itself.

Now, you will invite students to share their thoughts and work collaboratively to rewrite the document using modern vernacular and lingo. This lesson is meant to provide students with a chance to make the Declaration relevant as they reinterpret it and make it their own. 

This opening lesson explores how the Declaration of Independence influenced Nathaniel Hawthorne. Students build a foundation for understanding layered perspectives in his work and how the Declaration set the stage for literary conversation.