Traits of Good Citizens

Standard of Learning

Content

Understand that good citizens show a variety of positive traits.

Demonstrate good citizenship by:
•    Playing fairly
•    Exhibiting good sportsmanship
•    Helping others
•    Treating others with respect
•    Recognizing the purpose of rules
•    Practicing self-control
•    Working hard in school
•    Taking responsibility for one’s own actions
•    Valuing honesty and truthfulness in oneself and others

Recognize that rules are made so that everyone is treated fairly.

Recognize the following reasons for rules:
•    To protect rights of people
•    To suggest good behavior
•    To keep people safe

Sample Resources

Below is an annotated list of Internet resources for this organizing topic. Copyright restrictions may exist for the material on some Web sites. Please note and abide by any such restrictions.

Ben’s Guide to U.S. Government for Kids. United States Government Printing Office. <http://bensguide.gpo.gov>. This Web site provides learning tools for K–12 students, parents, and teachers on civic responsibilities.

Ben’s Guide to U.S. Government for Kids. U.S. Government Printing Office. <http://bensguide.gpo.gov/k-2/index.html>. This Web site offers lessons and resources on U.S. Government for K–2.

Center for Civic Education. <http://www.civiced.org>. The mission of the Center for Civic Education is to promote an enlightened and responsible citizenry committed to democratic principles.

Civnet: A website of Civitas International. <http://www.civnet.org/>. This Web site is an online resource and service for civic education practitioners (teachers, teacher trainers, curriculum designers). For Citizen’s Rights and Responsibilities: click on the resources section to find lesson plans and ideas.

 “Graphic Organizers.” Education Place. Houghton Mifflin. <http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/>. This Web page has a collection of graphic organizers. 

“Graphic Organizers.” SCORE. Schools of California Online Resources for Education. <http://www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/score/actbank/torganiz.htm>. This Web page offers a variety of formats for graphic organizers.

Proteacher. <http://www.proteacher.com/090035.shtml>. This Web site offers lessons on citizenship. 

Social Studies Curriculum Resources Poster Sets. Melissa Matusevich. <http://chumby.dlib.vt.edu/melissa/posters/posterset.html>. This Web site is a resource of social studies poster sets for grades K–3.

 “Teaching Citizenship’s Five Themes.” Education World. Education World, Inc.<http://www.education-world.com/a_curr/curr008.shtml>. This Web page features activities from the editors of Weekly Reader that can help develop K–6 students’ understanding of the five citizenship themes — honesty, compassion, respect, responsibility, and courage.