I enjoyed watching my students' reaction to the Treasure Box. Having a new approach to teach the
Declaration of Independence was fun and engaging for my class. I was curious to know what my students knew about the Declaration and why we celebrate Independence Day so before introducing the Treasure Box, I gave my students a mini-pretest to see what they knew. Only one child knew what it was and why it was written. The best response was from a little girl who thought it was written by 'Paul Ride.' (Paul Revere. . . Sally Ride . . . I will let you know if her confusion was cleared up by the end of the unit!)

I used several primary sources from the national archives website: portraits of King George and Thomas Jefferson, a map of the thirteen colonies and several political cartoons. The cartoons were confusing at first but after some discussion and guided questions they were able to make insightful comments. We also added a foldable to our interactive notebooks that incorporated a painting of the signers and questions and answers from the pretest.

The Treasure Box also included a genuine, reproduction, parchment copy of the Declaration itself. Several students thought it was the real thing but alas . . . no such luck. However, they had a lot of fun trying to read the script so I also printed a copy that they could interpret. The book I included was Sally Senzell Issacs, Understanding the Declaration of Independence. I really like this book as it gives a concise background on the events leading up to the Revolution and the writing of the Declaration. The primary source graphics in the book provide great detail and the text is clearly written making it is easy for readers of all levels to understand.

I have several items I am using for center activities: quills and parchment paper for a writing activity, three-cornered hat, a block of tea, and the items we received at the summer institute. This is proving to be one of the best units I have taught and one of the most beneficial for my class as they are engaging in creative and analytical thinking skills.

Signing Their Lives Away has been a fascinating read as the 'myths' about the men who helped write and sign the Declaration have been dispelled OR should I say as in the case of Ben Franklin; the naked truth has been exposed. Ahh Ben . . . we will never think of you in the same way!