September 17, 2008 is the 221st anniversary of the United States Constitution. This document, which serves as the backbone of this country, became official on September 17, 1787. Appropriately, the federal law passed to commemorate this day designates September 17 as "Constitution Day and Citizenship Day."

Aside from its historical significance, there is a provision of this bill that directly effects federally funded schools. Stated precisely: "Each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17 of such year for the students served by the educational institution." According to this mandate, it seems that Constitution Day has been constructed with the intent of reminding us why our society is the way it is, and, in a parallel sense, why we Americans are the way we are.

This seems a particularly appropriate topic for exploration at a juncture in our history when some Constitutional values and rules long held as irrefutable are being challenged by our government. For young children, however, it is foremost important that the basic principles outlined by the original document be recognized and understood. In light of that, the following books which are available in The Learning Tree Stores of Danvers and Stoneham may serve as a potential starting point for study of the Constitution in the classroom.

...If You Were There When They Signed the Constitution by Elizabeth Levy

$5.99 Grades 2-5

A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution by Betsy Maestro and Giulio Maestro

$7.99 Grades 2-4

Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution by Jean Fritz

$6.99 Grades 2-5

The U. S. Constitution (We the People) by Jean Kinney Williams

$8.95 Grades 4-6 Ages 9-11

The U. S. Constitution (Pebble Plus) by Kathy Allen

$6.95 Grades PreK-2 ages 4-8

The U. S. Constitution by Christine Peterson

$6.95 Grades 1-3 Ages 6-9

The U. S. Constitution and You by Syl Sobel

$6.95 Grades 3-5

The United States Constitution (Historical Documents) by Karen Price Hossell

$8.99 ages 8-10

We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States by David Catrow

$6.99 Ages 8-12

Additionally we have a wide selection of Patriotic bulletin board sets, cutouts, stickers, books, and resource materials always available in both stores.

These web sites will provide you with information and activities for Constitution Day along with links to other sites.

www.civiced.org (Includes lessons plans for Constitution Day for grades K-12)

www.constitutioncenter.org (Includes an interactive online "Save the Bill of Rights!" game and an Interactive Constitution which explains the Preamble and the Articles of the Constitution.)

www.constitutionfacts.com (Includes crossword puzzles, test your knowledge, treasure hunts, and word searches for the Constitution)