First Amendment Freedoms: Elementary Student Investigations

• In Event: (Re)Defining Social Studies in the Elementary Classroom

Abstract

The First Amendment provides citizens with freedoms that are essential to civic participation. Indeed, complications arise when teaching civic rights in elementary classrooms because, for the most part, schools are not democratic places (Levine, 2013). The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS, 2019) adheres to the position that early childhood experiences are vital for children to shape their civic identities. Here we present a case study of second grade students investigating the five freedoms of the First Amendment. Through inquiry methods of learning and discussion, these young students articulate their understandings of freedom and citizenship. Using student artifacts, video, and observations we report on ways young students understand citizenship rights, in particular First Amendment Rights.

Authors

• Karon Nicol LeCompte, Baylor University

• Leanne L. Howell, Baylor University

• Kevin Russel Magill, Baylor University

• Brooke Blevins, Baylor University

• Tori Smith, University of Alabama

• Kenley Bailey Ritter, Baylor University

• Nate Scholten, Baylor University