Citizenship

November

4th Grade

Citizenship: showing concern for the needs of others, such as helping others in school, neighborhood, church, and country

Purpose:By discussing the art work New England Clam Bake and completing the art activity, students can be reminded how they can show citizenship in different parts of their life.

GPS: Social Studies and Art Curriculum Guidelines for 4th grade

SS.4.3.2, SS. 4.2.3, VA.4.19, VA.4.20

Quotes: “I will act as if what I do makes a difference.” William James

Materials: red, white, and blue construction paper, Masterwork

Procedure:

1.  Ask students what they think citizenship is; then share the above definition with them.

2.  Ask the students why settlers first came to our country? Possible responses: people came to the new land to practice freedom of religion, to make money, to escape physical abuse, etc..

3.  How might these Early Americans have showed citizenship as their colonies were being developed? Possible responses: help build homes, assist with growing crops, catch fish to eat, care for farm animals, etc…

4.  Show the students the attached illustration. Ask the following questions about the illustration:

·  Describe the scene. What are the people doing?

·  Do they look happy? How do you know? Yes, the people look happy. Some people are dancing and some people are playing music. Tell the students that working with others in your community promotes a healthy attitude. The people in the illustration seem to be excited as they prepare for the New England Clam Bake (which is the title of the artwork).

·  What images of citizenship are being displayed? People are working together to create a productive community - a person is cooking, people are bringing in water, some people are cultivating the land for crops, etc..

·  Does this illustration seem to reflect Early American settlers? Why or why not? Yes, it appears to be Early America because the people seem to be wearing colonial type clothing, there is a horse and carriage, etc…

5.  What are ways you can practice citizenship in your own community? Possible responses: help recycle, pick up trash in your neighborhood or school, donate items to people who are needy, visit an elderly person, etc…

6.  Give the students a piece of construction paper. Have students trace both of their hands and cut them out. Have students write something on each paper hand that they could do in order to show citizenship. The students should begin each statement by writing, “I will ______.” Display the “helping hands” in the classroom. The “helping hands” can serve as a daily reminder of how the students can help others in their school, neighborhood, church, etc…

7.  If there is time, allow the student to share their “helping hands.” Tell them you will ask them at our next meeting if they followed through with their “helping hand promise.”

Concluding Questions:

1. Why is citizenship important?

2. What is your opinion about people who do or do not show citizenship?

3. Close the discussion by reading the lyrics to “This Land is Your Land.” They may be familiar with this song. Remind the students that the United States is their land. Remind them that we are lucky to live in this beautiful country. We should all be good citizens help take care of it!

New England Clam Bake, Harry Wysocki
THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND

words and music by Woody Guthrie

This land is your land, this land is my land

From California, to the New York Island

From the redwood forest, to the gulf stream waters

This land was made for you and me

As I was walking a ribbon of highway

I saw above me an endless skyway

I saw below me a golden valley

This land was made for you and me

I've roamed and rambled and I've followed my footsteps

To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts

And all around me a voice was sounding

This land was made for you and me

The sun comes shining as I was strolling

The wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling

The fog was lifting a voice come chanting

This land was made for you and me

As I was walkin' - I saw a sign there

And that sign said - no tress passin'

But on the other side .... it didn't say nothin!

Now that side was made for you and me!

In the squares of the city - In the shadow of the steeple

Near the relief office - I see my people

And some are grumblin' and some are wonderin'

If this land's still made for you and me.

Lesson Plan Evaluation

Character Word______Grade Level______

Objective / Yes / Somewhat / No
Was the lesson easy to read and understand by the teachers?
Was the sequence of the lesson correct?
Were the activities easy to understand?
Were the students engaged throughout the lesson?
Did the students enjoy the activities?
Were the materials easy to use?
Were the visuals appropriate for the learners?
Were there adequate activities planned?
Was the lesson relevant to the learners?

Comments:

Please return form to Mr. Richardson or Dr. Carsillo