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Constitution Day, formerly known as Citizen Day, is celebrated on September 17. It commemorates when the United States Constitution was signed in 1787, and many schools delve into the history of this centuries-old document. If your school receives federal funding, it is required by law to provide some education about the Constitution on this day. 

Constitution Day for kids can serve as a timely opportunity to explore the foundations of American democracy with students of all ages. Bring this historic document to life in your classroom with these Constitution Day activities that make it an educational and exciting experience for your students.

1. Start with the basics

Begin with a Constitution Day activity or lesson that introduces the document in an age-appropriate way for your class. Explain its significance, the events that led up to its creation, and its foundational role in shaping the U.S. government and the rights of its citizens from 1787 through the present day. 

U.S Constitution Activities/ US Constitution Day 1st/2nd/3rd Grade
By Happy Days in First Grade
Grades: 1st-3rd
Subjects: Government, Writing

This 33-page U.S. Constitution unit packet includes informational posters, a student reader, and kid-friendly activities to break down the meaning of the Constitution and Preamble, rights versus responsibilities, good citizenship, and the meaning of freedom. The text is kid-friendly, easy to understand, and can be adapted to whole-group or independent work.

Bill of Rights Reading Comprehension Constitution Worksheet Constitution
By Teaching to the Middle
Grades: 5th-6th
Subjects: Informational Text, U.S. History

This product briefly describes the Bill of Rights, and then students read a scenario and label which right is described. To finish off the lesson, 15 questions (identify and multiple choice) assess understanding. 

Constitution Day Activity
By A Social Studies Life
Grades: 8th-10th
Subjects: Government, U.S. History

In this lesson and activity, students discuss Constitutional issues in small, cooperative groups and in a whole-group setting. It includes background information, different types of questions, suggested discussion topics, and interactive notebook pages. 

The U.S. Constitution PowerPoint and Guided Notes (Print and Digital Resource)
By History Gal
Grades: 9th-12th
Subjects: Government, Civics
Standards: CCSS RH.9-10.4, 11-12.4

This 67-slide PowerPoint presentation on the U.S. Constitution covers everything from Federalism to the amendments. Most of the text is editable, so you can customize it, and it comes with guided notes. There’s also a Google Slides version. 

2. Draft a classroom constitution

One of the most engaging ways to teach about the Constitution is to have students create their own! Ask students to collaborate on a draft of a constitution for your classroom. During this activity, they can discuss and vote on the rules that govern their classroom. Not only is it an engaging way to teach about the Constitution, but it doubles as a great classroom management activity at the beginning of the school year.

Class Constitution Activity | Create Classroom Rules Back to School Project
By Cameron Brazleton
Grades: 3rd-8th
Subjects: Government, Character Education

This Classroom Constitution Activity allows students to collaborate and establish what they believe would make for a successful learning experience, rather than the teacher giving them rules. The resource includes focus questions and directions for teachers. 

Class Constitution: Creating a Classroom Constitution & Preamble
By Mister Harms
Grades: 6th-12th
Subjects: Civics, Government, U.S. History

Each student’s voice is heard as they actively engage in crafting an official document for the class. The process begins as students are grouped to draft goals and purposes in the form of a preamble. Once the preamble is approved, students give voice to a variety of articles that should be included in the constitution. When complete, all students will ratify and sign it!

3. Interact with the U.S. Constitution

Make learning about the U.S. Constitution fun with activities that are interactive. Create a scavenger hunt or escape room with clues that ask students to find information about specific articles, amendments, or facts. For younger students, try a lapbook or craftivity that has students create, assemble, and organize information about the Constitution — all of which are helpful for enhancing retention and mastery!

The US Constitution Day Lap Book 3rd 4th & 5th Grade Constitution Week Activity
By Hooty’s Homeroom
Grades: 3rd-5th
Subjects: U.S. History, Social Studies

This lapbook is an interactive way to study the U.S. Constitution on Constitution Day, during Celebrate Freedom Week, or anytime during the school year. After completing this Constitution Day activity, your students will have a reference guide they can refer to throughout the year.

Constitution Day PowerPoint & Craftivity | Three Branches of Government Activity
By Deb Hanson
Grades: 3rd-6th
Subjects: ELA, Government

This Constitution Day reading and craft activity is the perfect way to introduce your students to the three branches of government and the system of checks and balances in a fun and informative way. It includes a 28-slide PowerPoint presentation and a hands-on craftivity to reinforce learning.

U.S. Constitution ESCAPE ROOM Activity! Constitution Day – Reading Comprehension
By Think Tank
Grades: 4th-8th
Subjects: Civics, U.S. History
Standards: CCSS RI.5.10; RH.6-8.10

The U.S. Constitution escape room will take students on a secret mission around the classroom reading comprehension passages, answering questions, and solving puzzles! It has students decode interesting facts about the United States Constitution, the Preamble, the Constitutional Convention, and the Founding Fathers.

US Constitution Day Worksheet Activity Scavenger Hunt
By History with Mr E
Grades: 5th-8th
Subjects: U.S. History, Social Studies
Standards: CCSS RH.6-8.1, 8.2, 8.4

Enhance your social studies curriculum with this Constitution scavenger hunt worksheet activity, designed to engage students in an interactive exploration of the U.S. Constitution. It includes a 30-question worksheet with an answer key.

7 Principles of the Constitution Powerpoint, Foldable, and Activities
By Ms Social Studies Teacher
Grades: 6th-9th
Subjects: Civics, Social Studies

This editable PowerPoint presentation includes a lesson plan, worksheet, and activity. It covers the seven principles of the Constitution.  

4. Collaborate on a Constitution poster

Students create posters that illustrate key aspects of the Constitution, such as the three branches of government, checks and balances, or the rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. This is a great way to fill up some blank wall space with student work around the classroom or in the hallway!

U.S. Constitution Preamble Collaborative Poster | Fun Constitution Day Activity!
By Art with Jenny K
Grades: 1st-8th
Subjects: Visual Arts, U.S. History

There are 30 pieces, and each piece fits on a 8.5-inch by 11-inch piece of paper. The final poster is approximately 35 inches by 42 inches. It also comes with bonus coloring pages. 

Celebrate Constitution Day with TPT

Go beyond standard fall activities for kids or reading the U.S. Constitution to help students understand the process for creating a document like this and all of its nuances with more Constitution Day resources. Make September 17th of any year a celebration worth remembering when you incorporate games, crafts, and other activities.