1. Bellringer
Consider what we have been studying about the “Declaration of Independence” and make a list of as many things as you can think of that should be your “unalienable rights” as an American.
3-4 minutes

2. “Declaration of Independence”
Lesson 3

3. I Can… Annotate for Jefferson’s purpose in writing the text.
9-10.RI.CS.6 Determine an author’s point of view or purpose and analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance that point of view or purpose. Create an objective summary of the text.
Proofread and revise a summary.
9-10.RI.KID.2 Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development; provide an objective or critical summary.
1 minute

4. You Will Need… Your copy of the “Declaration of Independence”
Writing utensils for annotations and written responses
Handouts provided by the teacher later in the lesson
1 minute

5. As You Listen…
Make sure you note any confusing or unfamiliar words so you can look up their meanings.
Annotate for MAIN IDEAS.
To find main ideas, ask yourself, “What is the most important information in this section of the text?”
12 minutes

6. Ink-Pair-Share
DIRECTIONS: Take about two minutes to consider the questions below. WHEN DIRECTED BY YOUR TEACHER, you will share your thoughts with your partner. Then we will discuss as a group.
What ideas did the framers of the Declaration of Independence express in the document?
Why was it so important for them to express these ideas in this way and at this particular time?
5 minutes
Possible Answers
One of the biggest, most profound ideas expressed in the Declaration of Independence is that “all men are created equal” which became a cornerstone of American democracy throughout history.

7. More Class Discussion Questions
What are some of the ideas about government that are implied in the “Declaration of Independence”?
Why did some of the colonists want to remain under British rule?
4 minutes
Possible Answers
The Declaration of Independence also implies that government should serve the people, not the other way around. Thus, the purpose of a government is to help individuals, and if a government doesn’t meet that goal, it should be abolished.
Some colonists did not have many grievances that affected them personally, and additionally, many colonists felt that they must remain loyal to their country.
More Class Discussion Questions

8. Partner Work
4 minutes

9. Compare Your Summary to the Model Below
The colonies repeatedly tried to reconcile with Britain peacefully, but they were ignored by Britain or denied this peaceful reconciliation. Thus, they chose to sever their connection with Britain and form the United States of America as a new country. This new government would allow people to achieve their undeniable rights as a good government should.
2-3 minutes

10. DIRECTIONS: Use your Summary Independent Practice Guide to complete the writing task below.
PROMPT: Write an objective summary of the “Declaration of Independence.” (THE ENTIRE TEXT)
You have five minutes to work before we pause to read our partner’s work and receive feedback. MAKE GOOD USE OF THE NEXT FIVE MINUTES TO GET GOOD FEEDBACK!
Independent Practice
6 minutes

11. 5 minutes

12. Directions for the Remainder of Class
You have the rest of the class period to work on your summary.
Make sure you consider the feedback from your partner as you work to improve your writing.
DUE DATE: If you do not finish today, then this assignment will be due at the beginning of the period TOMORROW!
Remainder of the class period