Whoever said kids don’t make the rules might be surprised to learn about the unique and interactive social studies activity the students of Booker T. Washington Elementary School, participated in recently.

Instead of simply reading their textbooks or memorizing historical dates, third-grade students attended a Constitution Day assembly on Sept. 17. Students learned about the creation of the historic document and why it is important to our society, third-grade teacher Shelby McHaney said.

Later, students participated in group discussion to contribute the content that would make up their own constitution, McHaney added.

Among the items listed in their new constitution, students noted the importance of showing respect to others, treating people with kindness, following the teacher’s directions, raising one’s hand at the appropriate times, “making smart choices” and keeping their teachers happy, said Lindsey Woodruff, another member of the third-grade teaching staff. Once they finalized the content, it was written out and all of the students lined up to sign their names.

Students were surprised when their teachers crinkled up the completed document, Woodruff said. But doing so made it resemble the discolored, wrinkled piece of paper they would typically envision as the constitution, she said.

Placed in the students’ hallway, the constitution serves as a reminder to do the things they have promised to do, Principal David Reitz said.

The constitution has had a positive effect on student behavior, the teachers said.

“We have noticed students are encouraging others,” Woodruff said.

“We haven’t had any major issues — small ones here and there,” Reitz added.

The teachers are considering doing this again in future years, Woodruff said.