Hi moms! Convention of States Michigan is here for you! Timeout with COS Moms! Grab your tea, coffee or cocktail! It’s time for your timeout!
Reading with our children, young and old, is one of the best ways to connect with them. Over the next several weeks, we are going to delve into a series of books, essays and other writings that can help moms and kids better know, understand and appreciate our great American founding.
At the center and heart of our representative democracy is our Constitution. It is the seminal law-enforcement document of our country. Our government leaders swear oaths to its allegiance. It is the cornerstone of our country’s founding. You must know the Constitution. You have to read it. And, more than that, you have to understand its context and meaning. You have to appreciate when and how it was written.
Jean Fritz’s, Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution, is a great place to start. This is a 64-page, short chapter book, with illustrations by Tomie dePaola. It’s a great book for young and older children and a great book to read together!
Fritz introduces the Articles of Confederation, the Continental Congress, the Constitutional Congress, several of our founders, and the debates as our Constitution was written. Fritz brings the timeline and people to life in this colorful story.
She emphasizes America’s need to be united under one federal Constitution and many of the questions facing our infant nation - many questions that we may not even realize they faced. How powerful should our federal government be? What responsibilities should a federal government have? How can the states retain their own independence? This has been the debate from the very outset of our country, and our Constitution was written to best balance those questions and check the government from becoming too powerful in any aspect.
Be sure to read this book with your children! You can even listen to a read aloud here.
Convention of States also offers exceptional free educational resources for adults. Check it out here.
Help bring our American founding to life for your children! Learn to apply the principles of republicanism, our Rights, and democracy for yourself and your children.
Join our Convention of States Michigan volunteer team for more great resources and civic aspiration! Start by signing the petition here.
Now you know, moms. Make sure your kids know too!
