Civic holidays are a great reason to incorporate civic learning into any classroom.
PA Civics members are excited to offer excellent programs and materials for every civic holiday.
Below are events and resources for Law Day (May 1).
Events
Supreme Court Spotlight: Cases to Watch
May 1, 12 pm - 1 pm
Zoom Webinar
Celebrate Law Day with National Constitution Center Chief Content Officer Tom Donnelly to discuss the Supreme Court and some of the biggest cases the justices are considering this term. He will also discuss his career and answer questions from participants.
Law Day Virtual Read Aloud
May 1, All Day
Zoom Webinar
This Law Day Virtual Read Aloud Program offers a unique opportunity for elementary school classrooms to participate in engaging storytelling sessions with their students. Through specially selected books and guided discussions, students will explore legal concepts in an age-appropriate and interactive way.
What to Expect
Interactive Virtual Readings: Dive into captivating stories that introduce legal themes in a fun and accessible manner.
Thoughtful Discussions: Lead your students in discussions about justice, fairness, and the importance of the rule of law.
Educational Resources: Access supplementary materials and activities to extend learning beyond the classroom.
Why Participate?
Foster Critical Thinking: Encourage students to think critically about complex issues and develop their analytical skills.
Promote Civic Engagement: Inspire a sense of civic responsibility and empower students to become informed and active citizens.
Enhance Literacy Skills: Cultivate a love for reading and learning through the magic of storytelling.
Resources
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The ABA has a planning guide on their teacher portal to help educators participate in Law Day 2024, including lessons specific to this year’s theme: Voice of Democracy.
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Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts
PMC brings lawyers and judges into the classroom to speak to students, providing an engaging, non-traditional approach to civic education. PMC offers a full curriculum for middle, high school, and college students based around four weeks of core classes:
Week 1: The Three Branches of Government
Week 2: How Do Our Courts Operate? (PA & US)
Week 3: How Does Someone Become a Judge?
Week 4: Your Civic Duty as a Juror
PMC also offers unique supplemental classes that students and teachers can choose from to complete their 8-week program.
Middle School, High School, College
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The Rendell Center for Civics and Civic Engagement
The Rendell Center’s Mock Trial Framework is designed to focus on the literature and history that the students are reading in the classroom and is easy to follow. The goal is to enrich the students’ learning experience while teaching them about the American government and its judicial system.
The framework is one that marries literature, history, and civic literacy in an ongoing effort to provide students with the knowledge and disposition of engaged citizens. These are skills they will carry throughout their lives.
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Civics education undoubtedly plays a vital role in maintaining a strong democracy, as a basic understanding of how government works is required for citizens to become active participants in society. As one of the three branches of government, the judiciary reflects the core values of American democracy while acting as one of its essential pillars.
Recognizing this, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court created the Commission on Judicial Independence (PACJI) in 2005. Among their chief tasks, they are charged with fostering a greater public understanding about the role of the judiciary and explaining the essential need of an independent judiciary in America. As part of their efforts, these materials were created as a resource for teachers, students and the public to learn more about the work, role and structure of the state’s courts.