This September, we'll celebrate Constitution Day...all month long.
California Teachers K-12, celebrate Constitution Day and Month with Judges in the Classroom.
Sponsored by California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero's Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative.
Send Us an Invite.
California judges are ready to visit your classroom this new school year.
Teachers, please give at least 2 weeks to locate a match for your classroom. You will be asked to talk briefly with your visitor to discuss logistics, as well as class level of understanding of the selected lesson.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Students K-3 will gain an understanding of rule vs. law, the concepts of governance, and the role of a judge.
MIDDLE School
For students in grades 4-8, lessons focus on the Constitution, the 3 branches of government, and role of the courts.
HiGH SCHOOL
Some lessons focus on milestone cases, while others are more interactive with judges engaging students in critical thinking exercises.
“We must provide young people opportunities to learn about the democratic process, be an active participant in their communities, and share their voices based on their unique experiences.”
-Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero
Honorary Chair, Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative
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Judges in the Classroom
TEACHER FEEDBACK
I am thankful for this program and the judges willing to give back to the students today in high schools.
(She) made Constitutional law much more understandable than I could ever do. She had exactly the correct delivery, and she was very personable and responsive to her audience.
I love how she left time for questions, and took the time to answer them. The whole classroom was engaged!
Thank you!
Teacher, High School, Los Angeles County
ESL TEACHER, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Orange county
TEACHER, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, SOLANO COUNTY
Judges in the Classroom
STUDENT FEEDBACK
We took a government quiz before the visit and one after. It was embarassing how much we didn't know. I know a lot more now!
The judge made me think about what I want to study in college. Being a lawyer is something I think I'd like to do. Then be a judge when I'm older.
My teacher gave us the case before we met the judge. We wrote down the questions our teacher didn't know answers to. It was really cool,
High School, Sacramento County
High School, FRESNO County
MIDDLE SCHOOL, RIVERSIDE COUNTY
The following lessons are recommended for Constitution Month, but may be requested throughout the school year for your classrooms, and after-school programs and clubs.
Constitution Month: "No Animals Allowed"
Grades K-5
"No Animals Allowed" is the most requested lesson for elementary school classrooms. Students learn the difference between a rule and a law. For Constitution Month, the lesson introduces young learners to the concept of governance, and the framework of the U.S. Constitution.
Constitution Month: "We Are All Equal"
Grades 4-12
Introduce students to the origins of the U.S. Constitution, the founding fathers who wrote it, and the three equal branches of government it established (with emphasis on the judicial branch). Key points: Magna Carta, Revolutionary War, Federalism, Articles 1-3, Bill of Rights, Founding Fathers, Judicial Review.
The Constitution | Grades 5-8
Source: Superior Court of Santa Clara County Community Outreach Office
Invite a judge to meet with your students for a lesson on the U.S. Constitution, the supreme law of the land. Your students will learn:
- How the U.S. Constitution is different than our state Constitution;
- What the words in the Preamble mean;
- Where we find the Bill of Rights; and
- What is meant when the Constitution is amended.
Constitution Month: "The First Amendment" Grades 6-12
The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, the press, assembly, and the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. This lesson takes students through landmark cases where grievances were decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.
California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero (center) sponsors the Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative.
Power of Democracy Steering Committee pictured with California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond at the California Department of Education. Left to right: Superintendent David Gordon, Sacramento County Office of Education; Hon. Consuelo María “Connie” Callahan, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; Hon. Julia Alloggiamento, Superior Court of Santa Clara County; Hon. Stacy Boulware Eurie, 3rd District Court of Appeal; Oyango Snell (Sponsor), California Lawyers Association; Hon. Halim Dhanidina (Ret.); Erin Rosenberg, Staff Attorney for the California Supreme Court; Hon. Judith McConnell (chair), 4th District Court of Appeal; Michelle M. Herczog, Los Angeles County Office of Education; Jerrilyn Malana, San Diego County District Attorney's Office; Hon. Kristen A. Lucena, Superior Court of Butte County; and Hon. Carolyn Caietti, Superior Court of San Diego County.
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Tel. 415-865-4546
Email: judicialoutreach@jud.ca.gov
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