Did you know that Sept. 17 marks the 230th anniversary for the signing of the U.S. Constitution? Deemed as Constitution and Citizenship Day, each educational program who receives federal funds is required to hold an education program about the constitution. However, you can be your child’s first educator.

Fact Finds

There are many fun and unusual facts about the US Constitution. Here are just a few.

• The U.S. Constitution has 4,400 words. It is the oldest and shortest written Constitution of any major government in the world. Surprisingly, the word “democracy” does not appear once in the Constitution but does contains a spelling error for one of the 50 states.

• Since 1952, the Constitution has been on display in the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. The four pages are displayed behind protective glass framed with titanium. To preserve the parchment’s quality, the cases contain argon gas and are kept at 67 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 40 percent. The Constitution was “penned” by Jacob Shallus, a Pennsylvania General Assembly clerk, for $30. If it were to be “penned” today, it would cost $803.

ª Because of his poor health, Benjamin Franklin needed help to sign the Constitution and tears streamed down his face as he did so. Four of the signers of the Constitution were born in Ireland. It took 100 days to “frame” the Constitution.

Learning and exploring the Constitution

Teaching children about our nation’s history and government structure is important. Learning about our government and its history, can start at home with these great family activities.

• Host a family discussion around the following question, “What makes a good citizen?” You may need to explain to your children what the word “citizen” means. Be sure to write down responses! Reward your child each time they are demonstrating model citizenship behaviors.

• Create a family government system and establish a family set of values. Check in often as a family unit to hear what others are learning. Try developing three of your own branches of government, and give them their own unique name. Can you come up with your own Bill of Rights?

• Explore and read the Constitution online. This historic document was signed by 39 delegates. As a family, research who the delegates were that signed the Constitution. Each day learning something new about each of the delegates. After 39 days, just think of what you will have learned!

• Make a quill pen: For younger kids, see if they know what implement was used to write the Constitution. Try re-creating a feather pen with household items, such as colored paper, pencil and ribbon (e.g., wrapping paper around the pencil and attaching pieces of ribbon or tissue paper). Ask your kids if they were in charge of writing a government document, what would they chose as the subject?

• Explore the child friendly website, “Ben’s Guide to the US Government” at https://bensguide.gpo.gov/

• Write or visit with your legislators and ask them to make a change in law or develop new laws.

• Wear red, white and blue to show your support for our great nation!

I hope that you and your family enjoy learning about the government and enjoy being model citizens.

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Carrie Kube is a director for Iowa River Valley Early Childhood Area Board. All thoughts and opinions expressed are that of the author and not the board and/or its community partners.