Teaching Civics & Government In elementary school
What Concepts Should be Taught and When?
Symbols, Celebrations & Structures
Community & Citizenship
Rights and Responsibilities
Government Structure
Grade 1
Grades K-2
Grades K-2
Grade 2
Elections and Democracy
Basic Rights & Liberties
Civic Participation
Historical Figures & Events
Grade 4
Grade 3
Grade 5
Grade 5
Activites to Reinforce Civics Understanding
Ages 5-6
Ages 3-4
Ages 7-8
Ages 9-10
References
https://youtu.be/k4mRL75rRu4 https://d2l.msutexas.edu/d2l/le/content/102067/viewContent/1440380/View https://d2l.msutexas.edu/d2l/le/content/102067/viewContent/1440379/View https://youtu.be/HuFR5XBYLfU https://youtu.be/_j6wfUgT_ng https://bensguide.gpo.gov/ https://www.ushistory.org/gov/ https://d2l.msutexas.edu/d2l/le/content/102067/viewContent/1440406/View https://oercommons.org/courses/kids-voting-usa/view https://www.icivics.org/
Symbols, Celebrations, and Structures
Grade 1
Educating young children on symbols, celebrations, and structures includes...
- Learning about national symbols (i.e. the American flag, the Liberty Bell, the White House) and their significance
- Introduction to national holidays (i.e. Independence Day, Thanksgiving) and their importance
Symbols, celebrations, and structures often represent an important part of our history. Learning about real-life examples of symbols, celebrations, and structures allows students to connect what they learn in the classroom to the world around them. Why is this Important for Students to Understand?Educating young children on symbols and celebrations is important because it helps them develop cultural identity and unity, promotes civic engagement, and builds a respect for diversity.
Historical Figures & Events
Grade 5
Children should learn more about the specifics of historical figures and events in fifth grade. A fifth grade education on historical figures and events should include...
- Studying important figures in American history (i.e. George Washington, Susan B. Anthony)
- Exploring key historical events (i.e. Civil Rights Movement, American Revolution)
- Learning about important historical documents such as the Declaration of Independece and Emacipation Proclamation
Why is this Important for Students to Understand?Learning about historical figures and events enriches students' education by providing context, fostering critical thinking, promoting cultural awareness, and inspiring them to become informed, responsible citizens who understand the complexities of their world.
Rights and Responsibilities
Grades K-2
The first element that teachers should introduce children to is the concept of rights and responsibilites. Early introduction of this concept manifests as...
- Basic understanding of personal rights and responsibilites, such as sharing, being polite to others, and following rules
- Introduction to the concept of fairness and treating others with respect
As children progress through the elementary ages, these concepts can be gradually built upon. Early introduction of these concepts lays the foundation for democratic concepts of liberty, equality, and justice. In later years, children should understand the responsibilites of citizenship such as being well-informed, being an active participant in your democracy, contributing to the common good, and respecting the rights of others.
Why is this Important for Students to Understand?An early understanding of rights and responsibilites lays the foundation for main idea of this theme: democratic society is preserved and enhanced by those who are actively engaged in it– not those who choose not to participate.
Our Homes, Our Town, Our Country
Roles of Government (7-8 year olds)
In this activity, students will learn about the services that our government provides. This lesson reinforces conceptual understanding of government and democratic structure by asking students to reflect on the governmental services that affects the day-to-day lives of themselves and those around them.
Begin by explaining that a democracy provides services for all of the people within it, similar to a household of family members who all live under one roof. Next, show the students a completed version of the handout and discuss the needs services provided for each member of the household. For example, children need sports leagues and library services, adults freeways to get to work, elderly people need health services, and the house needs plumming. Have each student generate their own examples of services that the government provides on the concept map handout. After students have completed their own concept map, have groups of 3-4 re-create the concept map on a large piece of butcher paper and document all of the services they came up with. Close the lesson with a discussion on which services they value the most and why it is special that a democracy provides these services.
Elections and Democracy
Grade 4
In the later elementary years, students should learn about the functions of a democratic government. A fourth grade education on elections and democracy should include...
- Learning about the "what" and "who" of the election process. What = voting is how we choose our leaders and decide on change through ballots. Who = we elect the President, Senators, and Representatives.
- Introduction to the concept of democracy and its importance. Students should learn about the roles of leaders and why civic participation is essential for a democracy to function.
Why is this Important for Students to Understand?The democratic system in America is dependent upon civic participation among its citizens. By educating students about these concepts in the classroom, teachers can equip students with the necessary skills to maintain and strengthen our democracy. Teachers should prioritize civic education to ensure that our democratic society continues to function.
Civic Participation
Grade 5
In fifth grade, teachers should educate their students about civic participation by building upon their previous knowledge surrounding rights, responsibilites, and citizenship. A fifth grade education on civic participation should...
- Encourage students to engage in simple acts of community service
- Teach about the importance of volunteering and giving back
- Urge students to positively contribute to their community by engaging in the democratic process
Why is this Important for Students to Understand?Teaching elementary students about civic participation is essential for building responsible, engaged, and informed citizens who can contribute positively to their communities and participate effectively in the democratic process. It lays the groundwork for a strong and vibrant democracy and instills important values and skills that benefit both individuals and society as a whole.
Basic Rights and Liberties
Grade 3
In third grade, students should learn about basic rights and liberties. The thrid grade classroom should equip students with knowledge about basic rights and liberties by providing...
- Introduction to the Bill of Rights and its significance
- Understanding the concept of free speech and freedom of religion in simple terms
Students should be taught that everyone has rights and it is important to respect the rights of others. For example, everyone has the right of free speech, so you must respect others choice to exercise their rights.
Why is this Important for Students to Understand?An early understanding of basic rights and liberties allows students to develop a sense of citizenship, respect for individual freedom, understanding of a just and fair society, promotes tolerance and diversity, and prepares them for future citizenship.
How Can Groups Make Decisions?
Voting Lesson (5-6 year olds)
In this activity, students will learn about the voting process by participating in a classroom election. This interactive, student-led lesson uses age-appropriate teaching methods to introduce early concepts of rights and responsibilities, citizenship, democracy, and civic participation.
Begin the lesson by asking students to brainstorm ways that groups can make decisions. Then, introduce the words vote, election, and ballot, discuss their meaning, and practice using them in a sentence. Next, the students will hold their own election where they will vote using a ballot to decide what activity to do at recess. Provide each student with a ballot and ask them to place a tally mark next to the activity they wish to do at recess. Then, have the students fold up their ballot and place it in the ballot box. After all the votes have been collected, allow the students to discuss the winning activity and decide if they would like to re-vote. Once the students are satisfied with the result, review how voting can be used to reach a fair decision with a large group of people.
Appreciating Likeness and Differences
Community and Citizenship (3-4 year olds)
In this activity, students will develop their community and citizenship skills by identifying ways they are alike and different, practicing communication skills, discussing the uniqueness of each individual.
Start by reading the book "The Crayon Box that Talked". In this story, the crayons in the box dislike each other because they are different. However, at the end of the story, all of the crayons learn to appreciate eachother's similarities and differences and they realize that they are all equal. After the story, have each student create a quilt square that represents their distinct personality. Then, tape all of the quilt patches together to make one large classroom quilt. Point out that the classroom quilt is made up of many different patches, but the patches still have many things in common and are amazing in their own way.
How did the Reconstruction Amendments Attempt to Address Slavery's Wrongs?
Historical Events, Constitutional Amendments (9-10 year olds)
Over the course of this 2-day lesson, students will learn about constitutional amendments, due process, and equality by investigating the Reconstruction Amendments (13th, 14th, and 15th amendments).
The teacher should begin this lesson by leading a class discussion of the following princples and their meaning: suffrage, individual rights, due process, liberty, citizenship, and equality. Introduce that each of these principles served as the foundation for addressing the wrongs of slavery. Go through each of these principles using the Amendment Principle Cards and have students "move and talk" to discuss how each principle addressed the wrongs of slavery (e.g. citizenship: during slavery, enslaves people were not considered citizens so the Reconstruction amendments needed to fix that). Have students complete the Handout during the "move and talk", indicating the wrongs of enslavement that each principle addressed. Then, in groups of 3-4 have students summarize and determine which principle the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments connect to.
Government Structure
Grade 2
As children progress through elementary school, they can begin to learn about concepts of government structure. In second grade, government structure education begins with...
- Basic understanding of local government (mayor, city council)
- Introduction to the idea of rules and laws in the community
As children progress through the elementary school, these concepts can be gradually built upon. In later years, students' knowledge of government structure will increase as they learn abou the local, state, and federal government, including the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches, checks and balances, and the separation of powers.
Why is this Important for Students to Understand?By being knowledgeable about the structure of our government, students can be involved, informed, and intelligent citizens. An understanding of government structure also provides students with valuable problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Community and Citizenship
Grades K-2
Concepts of community and citizenship should be introduced early on in elementary education.
- Learning about different community roles (i.e. teacher, police officer, firefighter, etc.)
- Indentifying community helpers and their roles
- Understanding the importance of contributing positively to the community
As children progress through the elementary ages, these concepts can be gradually built upon. In later years, students will learn about the duties of citizenship (obey laws, pay taxes, respond to a court order, children attend school, and defend the country) and how they can become productive members in their community.
Why is this Important for Students to Understand?An early understanding of community and citizenship allows students to later understand that democratic forms of government depend on the balance between individual freedom and fulfilling civic duties.
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Transcript
Teaching Civics & Government In elementary school
What Concepts Should be Taught and When?
Symbols, Celebrations & Structures
Community & Citizenship
Rights and Responsibilities
Government Structure
Grade 1
Grades K-2
Grades K-2
Grade 2
Elections and Democracy
Basic Rights & Liberties
Civic Participation
Historical Figures & Events
Grade 4
Grade 3
Grade 5
Grade 5
Activites to Reinforce Civics Understanding
Ages 5-6
Ages 3-4
Ages 7-8
Ages 9-10
References
https://youtu.be/k4mRL75rRu4 https://d2l.msutexas.edu/d2l/le/content/102067/viewContent/1440380/View https://d2l.msutexas.edu/d2l/le/content/102067/viewContent/1440379/View https://youtu.be/HuFR5XBYLfU https://youtu.be/_j6wfUgT_ng https://bensguide.gpo.gov/ https://www.ushistory.org/gov/ https://d2l.msutexas.edu/d2l/le/content/102067/viewContent/1440406/View https://oercommons.org/courses/kids-voting-usa/view https://www.icivics.org/
Symbols, Celebrations, and Structures
Grade 1
Educating young children on symbols, celebrations, and structures includes...
Symbols, celebrations, and structures often represent an important part of our history. Learning about real-life examples of symbols, celebrations, and structures allows students to connect what they learn in the classroom to the world around them. Why is this Important for Students to Understand?Educating young children on symbols and celebrations is important because it helps them develop cultural identity and unity, promotes civic engagement, and builds a respect for diversity.
Historical Figures & Events
Grade 5
Children should learn more about the specifics of historical figures and events in fifth grade. A fifth grade education on historical figures and events should include...
- Exploring key historical events (i.e. Civil Rights Movement, American Revolution)
- Learning about important historical documents such as the Declaration of Independece and Emacipation Proclamation
Why is this Important for Students to Understand?Learning about historical figures and events enriches students' education by providing context, fostering critical thinking, promoting cultural awareness, and inspiring them to become informed, responsible citizens who understand the complexities of their world.Rights and Responsibilities
Grades K-2
The first element that teachers should introduce children to is the concept of rights and responsibilites. Early introduction of this concept manifests as...
- Basic understanding of personal rights and responsibilites, such as sharing, being polite to others, and following rules
- Introduction to the concept of fairness and treating others with respect
As children progress through the elementary ages, these concepts can be gradually built upon. Early introduction of these concepts lays the foundation for democratic concepts of liberty, equality, and justice. In later years, children should understand the responsibilites of citizenship such as being well-informed, being an active participant in your democracy, contributing to the common good, and respecting the rights of others.Why is this Important for Students to Understand?An early understanding of rights and responsibilites lays the foundation for main idea of this theme: democratic society is preserved and enhanced by those who are actively engaged in it– not those who choose not to participate.
Our Homes, Our Town, Our Country
Roles of Government (7-8 year olds)
In this activity, students will learn about the services that our government provides. This lesson reinforces conceptual understanding of government and democratic structure by asking students to reflect on the governmental services that affects the day-to-day lives of themselves and those around them.
Begin by explaining that a democracy provides services for all of the people within it, similar to a household of family members who all live under one roof. Next, show the students a completed version of the handout and discuss the needs services provided for each member of the household. For example, children need sports leagues and library services, adults freeways to get to work, elderly people need health services, and the house needs plumming. Have each student generate their own examples of services that the government provides on the concept map handout. After students have completed their own concept map, have groups of 3-4 re-create the concept map on a large piece of butcher paper and document all of the services they came up with. Close the lesson with a discussion on which services they value the most and why it is special that a democracy provides these services.
Elections and Democracy
Grade 4
In the later elementary years, students should learn about the functions of a democratic government. A fourth grade education on elections and democracy should include...
- Introduction to the concept of democracy and its importance. Students should learn about the roles of leaders and why civic participation is essential for a democracy to function.
Why is this Important for Students to Understand?The democratic system in America is dependent upon civic participation among its citizens. By educating students about these concepts in the classroom, teachers can equip students with the necessary skills to maintain and strengthen our democracy. Teachers should prioritize civic education to ensure that our democratic society continues to function.Civic Participation
Grade 5
In fifth grade, teachers should educate their students about civic participation by building upon their previous knowledge surrounding rights, responsibilites, and citizenship. A fifth grade education on civic participation should...
- Teach about the importance of volunteering and giving back
- Urge students to positively contribute to their community by engaging in the democratic process
Why is this Important for Students to Understand?Teaching elementary students about civic participation is essential for building responsible, engaged, and informed citizens who can contribute positively to their communities and participate effectively in the democratic process. It lays the groundwork for a strong and vibrant democracy and instills important values and skills that benefit both individuals and society as a whole.Basic Rights and Liberties
Grade 3
In third grade, students should learn about basic rights and liberties. The thrid grade classroom should equip students with knowledge about basic rights and liberties by providing...
- Introduction to the Bill of Rights and its significance
- Understanding the concept of free speech and freedom of religion in simple terms
Students should be taught that everyone has rights and it is important to respect the rights of others. For example, everyone has the right of free speech, so you must respect others choice to exercise their rights.Why is this Important for Students to Understand?An early understanding of basic rights and liberties allows students to develop a sense of citizenship, respect for individual freedom, understanding of a just and fair society, promotes tolerance and diversity, and prepares them for future citizenship.
How Can Groups Make Decisions?
Voting Lesson (5-6 year olds)
In this activity, students will learn about the voting process by participating in a classroom election. This interactive, student-led lesson uses age-appropriate teaching methods to introduce early concepts of rights and responsibilities, citizenship, democracy, and civic participation.
Begin the lesson by asking students to brainstorm ways that groups can make decisions. Then, introduce the words vote, election, and ballot, discuss their meaning, and practice using them in a sentence. Next, the students will hold their own election where they will vote using a ballot to decide what activity to do at recess. Provide each student with a ballot and ask them to place a tally mark next to the activity they wish to do at recess. Then, have the students fold up their ballot and place it in the ballot box. After all the votes have been collected, allow the students to discuss the winning activity and decide if they would like to re-vote. Once the students are satisfied with the result, review how voting can be used to reach a fair decision with a large group of people.
Appreciating Likeness and Differences
Community and Citizenship (3-4 year olds)
In this activity, students will develop their community and citizenship skills by identifying ways they are alike and different, practicing communication skills, discussing the uniqueness of each individual.
Start by reading the book "The Crayon Box that Talked". In this story, the crayons in the box dislike each other because they are different. However, at the end of the story, all of the crayons learn to appreciate eachother's similarities and differences and they realize that they are all equal. After the story, have each student create a quilt square that represents their distinct personality. Then, tape all of the quilt patches together to make one large classroom quilt. Point out that the classroom quilt is made up of many different patches, but the patches still have many things in common and are amazing in their own way.
How did the Reconstruction Amendments Attempt to Address Slavery's Wrongs?
Historical Events, Constitutional Amendments (9-10 year olds)
Over the course of this 2-day lesson, students will learn about constitutional amendments, due process, and equality by investigating the Reconstruction Amendments (13th, 14th, and 15th amendments).
The teacher should begin this lesson by leading a class discussion of the following princples and their meaning: suffrage, individual rights, due process, liberty, citizenship, and equality. Introduce that each of these principles served as the foundation for addressing the wrongs of slavery. Go through each of these principles using the Amendment Principle Cards and have students "move and talk" to discuss how each principle addressed the wrongs of slavery (e.g. citizenship: during slavery, enslaves people were not considered citizens so the Reconstruction amendments needed to fix that). Have students complete the Handout during the "move and talk", indicating the wrongs of enslavement that each principle addressed. Then, in groups of 3-4 have students summarize and determine which principle the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments connect to.
Government Structure
Grade 2
As children progress through elementary school, they can begin to learn about concepts of government structure. In second grade, government structure education begins with...
- Basic understanding of local government (mayor, city council)
- Introduction to the idea of rules and laws in the community
As children progress through the elementary school, these concepts can be gradually built upon. In later years, students' knowledge of government structure will increase as they learn abou the local, state, and federal government, including the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches, checks and balances, and the separation of powers.Why is this Important for Students to Understand?By being knowledgeable about the structure of our government, students can be involved, informed, and intelligent citizens. An understanding of government structure also provides students with valuable problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Community and Citizenship
Grades K-2
Concepts of community and citizenship should be introduced early on in elementary education.
- Learning about different community roles (i.e. teacher, police officer, firefighter, etc.)
- Indentifying community helpers and their roles
- Understanding the importance of contributing positively to the community
As children progress through the elementary ages, these concepts can be gradually built upon. In later years, students will learn about the duties of citizenship (obey laws, pay taxes, respond to a court order, children attend school, and defend the country) and how they can become productive members in their community.Why is this Important for Students to Understand?An early understanding of community and citizenship allows students to later understand that democratic forms of government depend on the balance between individual freedom and fulfilling civic duties.