Citizenship

"The character of an individual viewed as a mamber of society; behavior in terms of the duties, obligations, and functions of a citizen: an award for good citizenship." - dictionary.com

All animals have to learn how to be a part of their community. This is done by knowing how the society works, practicing the responsibilies and roles, and following the rules of the society. Society is always changing, and everything within it is always changing as well. It is true in nature, and it is true for human beings.

The classroom community involves complicated aspects and levels of citizenship. We need to learn about ourselves, family, community, society, and world. For young scholars, they are still in the very early stages of developing their knowledge, understanding, and value of how to become a good citizen. It is very important for them to accept their responsibilities, and to expand their knowledge.

I value how my students interact with each other. I will set the guidelines, rules, and expectations to align as much as possible with the community. In order to do that, I will learn about the community first, as each school district has different sets of goals.

Here are some of the most important things I think my students at the elementary level need to know about:

1. Respect Others:

Like or dislike a person does not decide whether or not we respect a person.

Respect a person is treating a person the way one would like to be treated.

Respect a person is knowing there are differences in everything among individuals.

Respect a person is controling my disagreement to limit being rude to the other.

Be helpful when others make mistakes, accidents, or being careless.

Think in others' situations.

2. Being a Responsible:

Knowing our own responsibility and duty.

When a conflict or issue happens, reflect to think about what I have done first.

Be brave and strong to know it is ok to make mistake because the most valuable part is to learn from mistake.

Accept results or conquences for mistakes, accidents, or being careless and learn from them.

Plan and think ahead.

3. Being a Active Citizen:

Be active in participate in the family, school, and community events, discussions, etc.

Be active to do things that would benefit the larger group as a whole.

Be active to invest extra time and effort beyond what is assigned or expected.

Be active to be a leader for self benefit and benefit for the larger group.

Be active to learn wherever, whenever, from whoever.

4. Reflect and be Positive:

Give suggestions instead of criticisms and blames.

Give positive comments for similar good ideas instead of being upset for not being the first one.

Give positive feedback when suggestions or comments are given.

Be positive when expectations or demand are not met and reflect or analyze to understand or improve.

Nobody is perfect, so there's always room for improvement.

Be positive and set high expectations for yourself.