Law in My Life, CRFC's longest-running elementary school program, helps seventh and eighth graders understand the importance of law in their own lives. Students develop specific knowledge of how the American legal, political, and governmental systems function as well as positive attitudes about their roles as citizens. Both teachers and attorneys receive training and are provided with interactive materials that correlate with the curriculum and enhance the teaching of the U.S. Constitution and American legal system.
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Law in My Life offers three curricula: Project Citizen, We the People, and Mock Trial. Teachers may choose to use one, two or all three curricula depending on their classroom objectives for the year. Each curriculum involves one day of professional development and includes an attorney volunteer, opportunities for field experiences, and continuing technical support from CRFC.
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- Project Citizen promotes competent and responsible participation in state and local government and connects to current events. It actively engages students in learning how to monitor and influence public policy and encourages participation among students, their parents and members of the community. Through Project Citizen students identify a public policy issue/problem in their community, gather and evaluate information about the problem, and develop and implement an action plan utilizing community resources. A free class set is available to a limited number of teachers who attend training.
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- WE THE PEOPLE is ideal for classes preparing to take the state-required constitution test. The lessons give students an understanding of the background, creation, and subsequent history of the U.S. system of government brought into being by our Constitution. Teacher training includes writing effective Constitution tests. Free class sets available to a limited number of teachers who attend training, contact CRFC for details. Additional lessons are available on our web site - www.crfc.org.
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- MOCK TRIAL is one of the best tools for teaching critical thinking; developing questioning skills; strategic thinking; listening skills; and skills in oral presentation and extemporaneous argument. Guided by teachers and attorneys students follow a step-by-step guide to opening statements, direct and cross examination and closing arguments. Students’ gain a basic understanding of the legal system the U.S. uses to resolve many of its disputes and learn the details of trial process and procedure.
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