Throughout the year, the Rendell Center delivers special programs that are based on fresh content, current events and civic holidays.

Civics Learning Week Banner 2026

Civics Learning Week

March 9-13, 2026

Join The Rendell Center, ABOTA, The Pennsylvania Bar Association, and The Pennsylvania Supreme Court Historical Society as we celebrate Civics Learning Week with a special Read Aloud program.

We’re excited to invite you to a celebration of Civics read-aloud designed to connect with and inspire the next generation to be knowledgeable and active citizens. Below are the book selections:

  • What Can a Citizen Do? by Dave Eggers
  • Democracy for Dinosaurs by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown
  • Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers

What to Expect:

Volunteer lawyers and judges will virtually visit classrooms to read selected children’s books that promote responsible and active citizenship and community service.

  • Each session lasts up to 30 minutes
  • Ideal for students in grades 1–5
  • Includes interactive discussions where students can ask questions, reflect on what they heard, and share their thoughts

For Students, This Experience:

  • Fosters critical thinking by exploring the meaning of justice and the responsibilities of good citizenship.
  • Promotes literacy through engaging, age-appropriate stories.
  • Enables students to gain the knowledge, skills, and disposition of actively engaged citizens.
  • Promotes interest in the law to young people.
  • Celebrates the U.S. Constitution and the Rule of Law.
  • Offers a way to give back to the community and help to preserve our democracy.

For Lawyers and Judges, This Is an Opportunity To:

  • Give back: Inspire the next generation with your knowledge and passion
  • Make an impact: Help young students understand the role of law in everyday life
  • Engage meaningfully: Use carefully chosen books to foster thoughtful conversations on legal themes in a fun, age-appropriate way

Join Us For This Exciting Annual Civics Learning Event!

Register below

Consolidated Logos (ABOTA-PA Bar-SCOPA)

Register as a Lawyer

Click Here to register to read to a classroom

Register as a Teacher

Click Here to register your classroom

Read Alouds selected for Civics Learning Week

What Can a Citizen Do? by Dave Eggers
Democracy for Dinosaurs by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown
Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers

What Teachers Have Said about the Read Aloud Program:

“Thank you very much for this special opportunity. We were awestruck by the presenters.”

Enissa Borine

Wayne Elementary

“Thank you so much for such an exciting
story time.”

Tarsha Corbitt

Norwood Elementary

What Lawyers Have Said about the Read Aloud Program:

“Thank you for allowing me to participate today – the students were wonderful and asked great questions!”

Judge Caroline Baker

“I was really looking forward to my reading and I’m glad I did it. The experience was even better than I anticipated. I’d love to do it again.”

Bob Cooper