“We the people . . .” Thus begins the Preamble to the Constitution. Using a close reading approach, class members examine an excerpt from Linda Monk’s article that traces how the interpretation of these words has evolved. Some of your kids may be surprised to learn that at one time women, Native Americans, and white males who did not own property were not thought of as part of “the people.” Reading, vocabulary, sentence syntax, discussion, and writing tasks are all delineated in the richly detailed plan. A teaching guide to the Constitution is also included.