These days I hear many people talking about the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, but as they talk I often wonder how much they really understand about the document? Can they describe the five freedoms and how those freedoms affect people’s lives in the United States? Children and adults probably need to learn lots more.
An excellent NewseumEd activity, designed for students in grades three through eight, introduces the First Amendment using materials, discussion, and scenario examinations that explore how the First Amendment works in real-life situations. Similar resources are available at the website for high school and college learners.
Below are some interesting facts from the activity, although students will discover much more.
- The First Amendment does not apply to parents.
- Private employers do not have to abide by the First Amendment.
- The government cannot establish an official religion.
- The First Amendment does not give people permission to assemble on private property.
- The First Amendment is one of ten amendments to the Constitution called the Bill of Rights.
This is just one of the thousands of resources (see below) available at no cost from NewseumEd. Educators can easily sign up to use the website.
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