Being a Responsible Citizen

Instructional Procedures

Day 1
Attention Getter:
Describe the qualities of a friend you would like to have:

• Brainstorm the qualities of a friend
• Discuss why they are desirable qualities

1. Define citizen using the Responsible Citizen poster (pdf) (A person who belongs to a community) and define responsible.
2. Explain that responsible citizens help to make their community a good place to live for everyone.
3. Read and complete the Clara Barton Storyboard Activity (see attachment).

• Brainstorm and list on a chart paper the classroom duties of a second grader.
• Show the class a handful of paper cutouts, explaining that they represent these roles.
• Throw the papers out onto the floor.
• Discuss how long it would take if just one person had to pick up all the pieces versus the group working together.
• Relate this to the classroom jobs discussion and good citizenship.
  • Not doing our job makes it hard on others.
  • We need to work together
  • Working together saves time

1. Discuss and define the various communities to which the children belong. (neighborhood, school, state, nation and world).
2. Divide students into small groups. Each group will take one of the communities listed above. Assign one student in each group to be the scribe. They will generate ideas of how they can be good citizens in their assigned communities.
3. Groups will present their ideas to the class while the teacher compiles the list for display.
4. Guide students to notice the commonalities between the group lists.

Extensions

Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners, by Laura Keller

Assessment Plan

Students will share a favorite scene from their storyboard activity and connect it to a character trait of responsible citizens.