Definition

The quality of following the rules and laws of school, community, country, and world.

Literacy

Just a Dream by Chris Van Allsburg

Materials Needed

An energy light ball (can be purchased for $10.00 at scientificsonline.com)

Activity: The Circle of Citizenship

Citizenship is a sense of “shared responsibility” for the common good. We often don't realize all the different parts that are played by community members to make our community “work”.

Have the participants make a circle and hold hands. Use the “light ball” and show how it lights up when the circle is connected and goes out when the circle is disconnected. Note that each member of the circle is unique: we all look different, wear different clothes, and have different talents and gifts to offer the group. The circle needs each one of us to bring our special offerings to the group for it to be complete.

Make a list with students of the many things that people do in your town that make it work so well: Volunteer ambulance corps, librarians, volunteer tutors at the high school, homeless shelter, mailman/woman, utility workers (electric power), Red Cross, garbage (sanitation) collectors, road repair crews, nurses, etc.