Civics in a Digital Republic: A Transformative Curriculum

Lesson 2: Creating Effective Citizens: Civic Resources

A.2 Creating Effective Citizens CIVIC RESOURCES SUMMARY In this lesson, teachers will utilize the website Civic Reflection, which provides a vast array of resources to help them integrate class discussions about civic issues in literature. The website provides a “How To” guide that includes sample resources, as well as a resource library where teachers can find a variety of readings that help students develop critical thinking skills while evaluating their involvement in society as an individual. • Students will read and comprehend selected works pertaining to the rights of individual citizens. • Students will write a reflection on each selected work. • Students will discuss their reflection as part of classroom or group work. PROCEDURE • Teacher should go to the civicreflection.org (http://civicreflection.org/) website. • Spend time exploring the website and the options available. • To meet the goals of this lesson, the authors recommend accessing“Leading ” and/or “Serving” categories. • From the options provided, the teacher can select the categories that meet the needs of their classroom. Readings and questions are provided by the site. 20 RIGHTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL A.2 RIGHTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL Creating Effective Citizens CIVIC RESOURCES continued 21 • One option: teachers may access the “Duty” tab under the “Serving” category . • Provide readings to the class. • Use questions to engage in class discussion. • The teacher may assign questions for students to respond to in written or digital portfolio form using tools identified in the Curriculum Toolbox such as Prezi. Differentiated Instruction • These lessons are constructed so that teachers are able to address various learning needs in their classrooms. • We encourage teachers to present material digitally, orally, graphically and textually. By using a variety of presentation styles, it is hoped that all students will learn. Time Allotment • Two class periods. One hour per class. MATERIALS & RESOURCES Instructional Materials • Depending on the selected theme and category, teachers will need to print the selected reading material for the students. • Students will also need access to computers with Internet access, for research and retrieval of possible resources should the teacher veer the discussion that way. Resources • Curriculum Toolbox A.2 RIGHTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL Creating Effective Citizens CIVIC RESOURCES continued STANDARDS & ASSESSMENT Next Generation Content Standards and Objectives for Social Studies in West Virginia SS.12.C.1 Students will become vigilant, informed citizens who actively participate in the preservation and improvement of American government through community service and service-learning (examples include individual service projects, patriotic events, mock trials, group initiatives, community volunteerism). SS.12.C.24 Students will explore cooperation, competition, and conflict among nations through interactions such as the United Nations, international treaties, terrorism and other exchanges to evaluate potential solutions to global issues. National Council For The Social Studies National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies: A Framework for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment • Theme 1: Culture: Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of culture and cultural diversity. • Theme 2: Time, Continuity, and Change: Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of the ways human beings view themselves in and over time. • Theme 3: People, Places, and Environments: Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of people, places, and environments. • Theme 4: Individual Development and Identity: Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of individual development and identity. • Theme 5: Individuals, Groups, & Institutions: Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of interactions among individuals, groups, and institutions. A.2 RIGHTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL Creating Effective Citizens CIVIC RESOURCES continued 23 • Theme 6: Power, Authority, & Governance: Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of how people create and change structures of power, authority, and governance. • Theme 10: Civic Ideals and Practices: Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of the ideals, principles, and practices of citizenship in a democratic republic. Assessment/Rubrics Students will be graded on their writing reflection and their group participation . ...