The JKHA seventh grade social studies classes have been studying the Declaration of Independence. After dissecting the language of the original Declaration of Independence, students modernized the list of grievances from the document by creating text message conversations between King George III and the American colonists. Each texter articulated their issues with the opposing party in modern language.

Framed as the ultimate breakup, the in-class assignment gave students a chance to use their own voices to make the Declaration of Independence and its articulation of the American colonists’ complaints against the British meaningful, resonant and entertaining.