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Celebrating Freedom in the Classroom

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Arkansas educators looking for help as they teach their students about and celebrate Patriot Day, Constitution Day and Celebrate Freedom Week (in compliance with new state and national requirements) can find great resources with ArkansasIDEAS and PBS LearningMedia

The new requirements, announced by the United States Assistant Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Improvement, now require public schools’ social studies classes to incorporate educational materials pertaining to the United States Constitution on Sept. 17 of each year to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. State legislation also now requires Arkansas public school to observe Celebrate Freedom Week during the last full week of classes in September in order to educate students learn about the sacrifices made for freedom in the founding of our nation and the values on which the United States was founded. Full details about these requirements can be found in the Arkansas Department of Education’s SharePoint Commissioner’s Memos here.

To help our educators prepare, we and ArkansasIDEAS have rounded up resources to help for events throughout September! Scan through to see what you can use:


Patriot Day (Sept. 11)

Patriot Day is an annual observance on Sept. 11 to remember those who were injured or died during the terrorist attacks in the United States on Sept. 11, 2001.

Learn more about Patriot Day and its celebration at whitehouse.gov.

Free Lesson Plans:



Additional Resources:


Celebrate Freedom Week (Sept. 14-20)

Celebrate Freedom Week is designed to teach students about the sacrifices made for freedom in the founding of the United States, as well as the values on which our nation was founded. While schools are free to determine the best method of instruction, it’s recommended that social studies educators discuss the meaning and importance of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution — with emphases on the Preamble and the Bill of Rights — in the documents’ historical context. 

General information:


Free Lesson Plans:


Teaching Guides:

Bill of Rights Institute - Teaching With Current Events


Additional Resources:


Additional Resources for Kids:


Constitution Day (Sept. 17)

Constitution Day (or Citizenship Day) is an American federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens. It is observed on Sept. 17, the day the U.S. Constitutional Convention in 1787 at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. 

Learn more about the holiday at: constitutioncenter.org/constitution-day.

Free Lesson Plans: 


Additional Materials:

Free, Downloadable SMARTboard Resources:
Games: 




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