CITIZENSHIP

*The intention of this newsletter compiled of some quoted information is to inform parents/caregivers about the Character Trait of the Month for November (CITIZENSHIP) and to highlight what students will be learning during our SEL lessons. Resources and at-home activities have also been compiled for parents throughout this newsletter.* SEL lessons may vary depending on classroom needs and Teacher request

Social and emotional learning (SEL) provides provides an array of benefits. Not only can it increase students’ academic achievement, but SEL activities can build students’ self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. All of these skills are important for students’ academic, social, and eventually, professional lives.

This month, we will be teaching about Citizenship and Belonging. We will have interactive discussions and will do a guided activity together. *Lessons and activities may vary from school to school*

The goal of this SEL lesson is to empower students to “assume active roles, both locally and globally, in building more peaceful, tolerant, inclusive and secure societies." Students will consider what it means to be a good citizen/good friend and will explore ways that each of us can do for the good of our schools, our homes and our community.

Citizenship is being an active member of a community, city, state or country. Our school is a community and we want our students to be great citizens. Good citizenship also includes helping your community and making good choices at home, in school, or in your town.

By teaching children different themes of citizenship, we can help them learn how to positively contribute to their community by focusing on empathy, respect, compassion, diversity, and inclusion.

Citizenship involves people working together to make positive differences to the society in which they live – locally, nationally and globally. This process is good for individuals, and essential for strengthening and making our communities, our country, and the world a better place.

Being a citizen means you’re part of a group—and you do your part to make things better for everyone. That means listening, helping, being fair, being kind, and following rules.

A good citizen is someone who respects others and their property. It is someone who is helpful and considerate, will to put others first. They listen to the views of others and thinks about what they have to say. They help people who are not in a position to help themselves. They protect the environment and does not damage it in any way. They work hard, are well mannered, help others feels included, are kind and are always willing to learn.

A good citizen treats their neighbor the same way they want to be treated. It is being a good steward of your “home”— including your actual home, school, community, state, country, planet, and digital world.

Here are just a few charactaristics found in a good citizen:

• honesty
• responsibility
• respect
• compassion
• courage

Explaining the characteristics of being a good citizen to students is great (and a vital part in teaching this concept!), but it isn’t enough. As parents, caregivers and educators, we have to help students make real connections to these qualities. Then, they will develop a true understanding of citizenship....& THIS is where we will see the magic happen!

Caring: Someone or something that shows kindness for others

Trustworthy: The ability to be relied on as honest or truthful

Follows rules: To obey rules, regulations, expectations and the law.

Responsible: Having an obligation to do something, or having control over or care for someone, as part as ones jog or rule.

Helpful: Giving or ready to give help

Respectful: Feeling or showing difference or respect

Honest: Free of deceit; sincere

Considerate: Careful to cause inconvenience or hurt to others

Polite: Having or showing behavior that is respectful and considerate to other people

Fair: legitimate

• Picking up litter in neighborhood or at school
• Collect and donate goods to those in need
• Recycling
• Caring for animals
• Helping the elderly
• Follows classroom and school

1. Agree or disagree: I don't have any responsibility to my school, my community, my nation, or anything else. My only responsibilities are to myself.

2. What is social responsibility? What does it have to do with being a good citizen?

3. In what ways are you responsible?

4. Some people have suggested that helping needy people is an important part of being a good citizen. Do you agree?

5. Can you list some attributes of citizenship? Do you agree with them?

6. Do you think you are a good citizen? Why, or why not?

7. What does Citizenship mean to you?

8. Is it important for citizens to voice their opinions and participate in the decision making process? Why, or why not? What are some ways you can make your voice heard?

9. What does good citizenship have to do with good character?

10. What are the benefits of good citizenship? How do you benefit from the good citizenship of others?

11. What are some of the things in your community that need improving? What could you do about it

It isn't hard to be a good citizen. Start by remembering the Golden Rule: "Treat others as you would like to be treated." Practice what it means to be a Good citizen at home and in school. Get involved in your neighborhood and your community. Be kind, be inclusive and be helpful.

Try to do your share

Think of ways to try to show you care to people everywhere

You try to show respect and follow the rules

You work to help protect the earth and do your best at school

You honor those who make good and safe choices

You listen to what others say and try to get along

Obey the law

Respect authority (police etc...)

Contribute to society and humanity

Love your country

Respect ALL Nationalities

Believe in doing what is right

Stand up for the rights of others

Try to serve others before oneself

Describe a time when you told the truth despite the consquequences

Write about someone you respect

Describe a time you rook responsibility for your words or actions

Draw a time when you demonstrated bravery

Draw the steps you would take if you saw someone making fun of a fellow classmate.

Make Citizenship carnations: Make a large flower out of construction paper. Write one theme of citizenship on each petal and then decorate your carnation.

Who Will I Be? By Abby Huntsman and Joanne Lew-Vriethoff- This is the sweet story of a little girl who is trying to decide what she wants to be when she grows up. All she knows is she wants to be a “helper” and a walk around her community helps her see just how many different kinds of “helpers” there are in her neighborhood.

Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed A Neighborhood

By F. Isabel Campoy, Theresa Howell, Rafael López- This is an inspiriting story about a young girl who brings her community together to transform her gray and dull neighborhood into a vibrant one full of art and happiness. I especially love how it is based on a true story and with the illustrator being the man who did the murals in the city this book is inspired by. So neat!

What Can A Citizen Do? By Dave Eggers and Shawn Harris- This is an empowering little book that talks about the big changes that even young citizens can make and our responsibility as citizens. Such a great one!

"Good Morning Neighbor" By Davide Cali and Maria Dek- In this story a group of animals go door-to-door collecting all the ingredients that they need to bake a cake. It shows that together we have more and together we accomplish more. The idea of pulling together and everyone taking part is at the heart of all close communities and good citizenship.

Additional Resources...

https://brytfamilyengagement.org/25-26