Core Concepts: Citizenship The status of a citizen with its attendant duties, rights and privileges.

 Grade Range: Middle School

Operational

Concept

Objectives

Sample

Activities/Ideas

A commitment to democratic ideals and the well-being of one's community. The student will be able to:
  • develop a respect for and appreciation of our system of government and understand that each citizen must participate in our government in order to preserve it
  • understand that patriotism requires love of, commitment to, respect for the country and its principles and the symbols which represent it
  • understand that citizenship requires being informed. Participating in public debate, dissent and dialogue; serving in office; being involved in civic activities; and exercising one's right to vote characterize good citizenship
  • understand the freedom is a cornerstone of our form of government which allows each person to live, move, act and participate politically and socially within optimum privileges and immunities
Have students:
  • search for examples of symbols being used to demonstrate love of, commitment to and respect for our country such as flag on the moon or Iwo Jima flag raising
  • search for examples of local, state and /or national women and men who have furthered the concept of democracy through patriotic behavior and discuss in class
  • write a short story expressing what might have been the inspiration for the above examples
  • write an essay about the personal meaning of patriotism and make lists of opportunities for patriotism
  • participate in a community service project
  • help develop the student discipline code
  • make a poster depicting a concept of good citizenship
  • create, read, or memorize a poem and be able to explain in other words what it says about Citizenship
  • write a report on a story, poem or book and explain how Citizenship figures in the story
  • identify a character from history of literature and explain how the person displayed Citizenship
  • identify examples of Citizenship in literature, history and current events