What Makes a Good Citizen?
This lesson celebrates Dr. Lonnie Randolph, the July nominee of the South Carolina African American History calendar. Students will also discuss what it means to be a good citizen.
Essential Question
What are the traits of a good citizen? What can you do to make your community a better place?
Grade(s):
- Kindergarten
- 1
- 2
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Laptops
Chromebooks
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
Paper
Pencils
Lesson Progression
- As students enter the room, the teacher has pictures/words displayed around the room. (These pictures could be on the walls or on the students' tables. There are some examples of pictures and statements in the Resource section.)
- Inform students that today that they will be talking about being a good citizen. Ask the following: If you saw someone drop some money, what would you do? What if you knew someone needed help? Tell students that being a good citizen involves doing the right thing even when it is not easy.
- Allow time for students to do a gallery walk. As they walk, instruct them to think about what they notice, what questions they have, as well as any wonderings.
- Once students have had an opportunity to view all of the picture cards, pull the class back together and take time to discuss what they noticed as well as what questions they have. Inform students that all of the pictures/words that are displayed represent characteristics of a good citizen. A citizen is a person that lives in a particular place and has certain rights as a part of that community.
- Challenge students to share the names of people in their community that they consider to be good citizens.
- Introduce the July nominee of the South Carolina African American History calendar, Dr. John Randolph. Share video with students. Following the video, discuss what students learned about Dr. Randolph. What stood out to you? What do you think makes him a good citizen?
- Inform students that in addition to be a doctor (optometrist-eye doctor), Dr. Randolph is best known for his long record of community service. Furthermore, because of this, he was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor. He is an advocate for justice and equality and has worked hard to ensure his community is a great place to live/work.
- Dr. Randolph is an inspiration to many. Remind students that this is proof that one person can make a difference and that we all should think of ways we can continually improve the communities in which we live. Continue to reinforce this point by introducing the read aloud I Am One by Susan Verde.
- I AM One is a book of action. This book reinforces the impact that one person can make even when they think what they are doing is not that significant. A video of the read aloud can be found here. Challenge students to think about ways they can ensure they are a good citizen as well as how they might make their community a better place as they listen to the read aloud.
- Following the read aloud, tell students that just like Dr. Randolph, they are going to think about ways they can be a good citizen everywhere they go. Distribute the Good Citizen chart to each student. Students should fill in the chart with ways they can be a good citizen in the school, in their home, and in their community.
Teacher Notes
Make modifications and adjustments to lesson as needed to meet the needs of your students.
Extension-Students fold their paper into fourths. In each box, draw a picture that shows an example of being a good citizen. Students should write a sentence to describe each picture.
Remediation-Allow students to work in pairs if needed or pull them to work alongside the teacher in a small group.
Being a Good Citizen
Sample pictures that display what good citizens do and do not do.
View Resource2024 South Carolina African American History Calendar
View ResourceVideo Preview of the 2024 SC African American History Calendar
View ResourceDr. Lonnie Randolph-July nominee of the 2024 SC African American History Calendar
View ResourceI Am One by Susan Verde
View ResourceWhat does it mean to be a good citizen?
Video that details for kids what it means to be a good citizen
View ResourceStandards
- K.4 Utilize the college and career skills of a political scientist to understand and display civic dispositions in one’s personal community.
- ELA.R.1 Use critical thinking skills to investigate, evaluate, and synthesize a variety of sources to obtain and refine knowledge.
- 1.4 Utilize the college and career skills of a political scientist to understand and display civic dispositions about contemporary South Carolina.
- ELA.R.1 Use critical thinking skills to investigate, evaluate, and synthesize avariety of sources to obtain and refine knowledge.
- 2.CG.1 Identify cultural and ethnic groups in the U. S., explore their characteristics, and communicate how civic dispositions build relationships between groups in a diverse society.
- ELA.R.1 Use critical thinking skills to investigate, evaluate, and synthesize a variety of sources to obtain and refine knowledge.
Assessments
Students will complete the "Good Citizen" Chart/Worksheet highlighting how they are a good citizen at home, at school, and in their community.
A Good Citizen Chart
