Grades K – 12

Every Law Day theme can be integrated across the school curriculum and school activities. These suggestions would be good to use when engaging with youth organizations within your community. The following are just a few ideas for students and other youth. They may all be adapted to virtual or socially-distanced formats, depending on community protocols and needs.

Poetry Slam or Spoken Word EVENT

For ideas, visit http://poetryslam.com or http://www.powerpoetry.org/actions/5-tips-spoken-word

Art Contest

To illustrate their perspective on the Law Day theme, students can be asked to showcase their creativity in video, photography, writing, drawing, painting, silk-screen t-shirts or collage. Final projects could be displayed on a central website, or as part of a social media campaign.

Theater or Other Arts Programming

Plays, dramatic readings, dances, flash mobs or other coordinated programs can highlight issues or provide a starting point for provocative discussion. They could be conducted virtually or in-person.

Sidewalk Chalking Event (if it’s permitted on campus)

Perhaps you want to spread a message about the rule of law. Do not overlook the straightforward and effective, and socially-distanced, method of sidewalk chalk.

SOCIAL MEDIA OR VIDEO TALKBACK

Encourage everyone in the campus community to express their thoughts on an issue related to the Law Day theme by recording a short video or conversation about the issue. Videos are quickly made and posted via various social media

outlets, or may be submitted to a central hub on campus for posting.

Student Mock Trial

You can find mock trial scripts at http://goo.gl/Ru6Lp. Mock trials may be conducted with a variety of age groups and across student and adult audiences, virtually or in classrooms or public areas. Have fun and be creative, and use the

opportunity to discuss basic court procedures and elements of a trial.

Student Journalism Contest

Students submit stories to a school newspaper or blog and exercise their student voice that feature topics happening in their communities or the nation.

Compose a Global Governments Map

Have students compare governmental structure in the United States to other countries around the globe. The Comparative Constitutions Project, or Constitute, offers resources for comparison and classroom discussion.

Gallery Walk in the Classroom

Students can explore multiple historical documents, texts, and current news articles that are displayed virtually or assigned as group readings. This is a good way to introduce topics for discussion or writing.

Collecting Oral Histories

Students conduct interviews with members of the community. Tips for collecting oral histories can be found at http://www.usm.edu/oral-history

Don’t forget to publicly acknowledge the work of the participants in your activities. Lead thank yous via social media or email so everyone knows how much their planning and participation matters.