Community service often starts with a simple decision to show up and share what you know. Carrie Gremard, M.L.S., LP, a Licensed Legal Paraprofessional with R.J. Peters & Associates, P.C., recently did exactly that.
Carrie volunteered through a State Bar of Arizona Bar outreach opportunity to speak with approximately 240 fourth- and fifth-grade students at Imagine Elementary in Coolidge during Constitution Week.
Her presentation focused on the U.S. Constitution, but the goal reached beyond dates and vocabulary. Carrie designed the program to help students understand how government works, why rules matter, what rights they have, and how their own ideas can make a difference.
Making the Constitution Easy to Understand
Carrie built the presentation around questions that fourth- and fifth-grade students could relate to right away.
One example asked students to imagine what school would be like with no rules. Could everyone run through the halls? Shout during class? Cut the lunch line? Ignore fair turns on the playground?
That question helped introduce a much larger idea. The Constitution provides a framework for how the federal government works, much like rules help schools and other communities function fairly and predictably.
Carrie also introduced students to several basic facts about the Constitution, including that it was written in 1787, begins with “We the People,” and explains how our government is structured.
Learning How Government Works
Young students hear words such as Congress, President, and Supreme Court, but those terms do not always mean much without context.
Carrie broke government down into its three branches:
- Legislative: Makes laws
- Executive: Carries out laws
- Judicial: Explains and interprets laws
The students also learned the basic path an idea can take before becoming a law. Carrie walked them through the process from idea, to bill, to debate, vote, signature, and law.
She then made the lesson interactive. Students had opportunities to act like lawmakers, discuss proposed classroom rules, give reasons for their opinions, and vote.
That kind of participation gave students a chance to work through the concepts instead of simply hearing about them.
Rights Come With Responsibilities
Carrie also introduced the Bill of Rights and discussed several freedoms students may already recognize, including speech, religion, press, assembly, and fair treatment.
The presentation made an important point for children: students have rights, too.
Carrie also explained that rights and responsibilities go together. Schools can make rules to help keep students safe. Students should be treated fairly, and they also have responsibilities to learn, respect others, be kind, and do their best.
Those are valuable lessons inside and outside the classroom.
Showing Kids Their Voices Matter
One of the strongest parts of Carrie’s presentation focused on how children can help improve their schools and communities even before they are old enough to vote.
Students were encouraged to:
- Notice a problem clearly
- Learn the facts instead of relying on rumors
- Talk with a trusted adult, teacher, or leader
- Write a respectful letter or email
- Share an idea at a meeting or event
- Work with others respectfully and safely
Carrie also asked students to think about what they would improve in their school, neighborhood, or community.
The message was practical: young people can learn, ask questions, share ideas, and take part in their communities in constructive ways.
Proud to Support Community Service
Carrie’s visit to Imagine Elementary reflects the kind of community involvement we are proud to see from members of our legal team.
As a Licensed Legal Paraprofessional focused on family law, Carrie regularly works with complex legal concepts. That background helped her take some big ideas about government and the Constitution and explain them in a way young students could understand.
Approximately 240 students had the chance to participate, think critically, learn how government works, and consider how they can make their own schools and communities better.
Carrie’s presentation ended with a challenge for each student to complete this sentence: “One thing I can do to make my school or community better is…”
That is a worthwhile question at any age.
At R.J. Peters & Associates, P.C., we value preparation, knowledge, and service to our community.
We Take Sides. Yours.
For personalized guidance about an Arizona divorce or family law matter, call (602) 256-7575 to schedule a free consultation.