We the People Is All the People / Nosotros, el pueblo somos todos

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Reinforce the idea that a community is made up of many voices and help students build a shared sense of belonging by creating a "We the People Is ALL the People" collaborative mural.

After reading aloud We the People Is All the People by Howard W. Reeves, discuss why the Preamble begins with the words "We the People." Explain that the U.S. Constitution describes our nation’s shared goals and outlines the rights and responsibilities that help people live and work together. Then talk about how the words "We the People" remind us that our communities are made up of many different people, and that everyone belongs.

Next, invite students to think about what makes their own community a place where everyone belongs. Revisit the book and encourage students to notice the words and illustrations that show people working together, helping one another, and including everyone. Then provide pre-cut squares of paper and have students draw the people who make up their own community—themselves, family members, classmates, school staff, neighbors, community helpers, workers, faith leaders, and others.

Combine all of the student drawings into one large collage on a wall or bulletin board. Arrange the pieces so they connect to show how everyone is part of one shared community. Invite families and community members to see the finished mural and enjoy a special reading of We the People Is All the People.

Questions for Discussion or Reflective Writing

• What is the Preamble? What does this introduction to the U.S. Constitution tell us about who made the Constitution and why they wrote it?
• What is the Constitution? Why do you think the writers of the Constitution included the Preamble?
• Who are "We the People" in the Preamble?
• What do the words "We the People" tell us about our government? What happens when only some people get to make the rules?
• The book talks about “We the People” as people who live in cities, towns, and farms in houses, apartments, and shelters. Why do you think the author lists so many different places? Look at the pictures of the homes and neighborhoods. How are they different from each other? How are they the same?
• What does it mean to belong to a community?  What are some ways people can help make their community a better place? What responsibilities come with being one of "We the People"?

Related Resources

We the People and the Constitution’s Preamble: The Constitution EXPLAINED from iCivics

Our Democracy: A Book-Based Exploration of Civics toolkit from Start with a Book

Citizenship & Participation and Immigration Nation from iCivics

Whole School Collaborative Murals from Primary School Art