ABSTRACT
This chapter moves through planning an entire unit on civil discourse for a fourth-grade classroom. Any of the activities presented could be adapted for other grade levels. Civil discourse can be viewed as a tool for effectively engaging in civic life. Critical Democratic Literacy (CDL) includes the ability to initiate and participate in discussions and decisions related to individual and community civic issues. Realizing the need for citizens to be adept at recognizing their role in being knowledgeable about topics that affect their lives and communities, CDL emphasizes the importance of participation through civil discourse. The students understanding and skills are assessed as they research a current issue and use deliberation to come to a resolution in the spirit of the Founding Fathers, student's civil discourse and deliberation about the inclusion of a bill of rights. The first 10 amendments to the US Constitution are called the Bill of Rights.
