School Rules: Being a Good Citizen at School

Gr 3–5—A pair of teens narrates this program that identifies five pillars of good citizenship: be respectful of others and their property, be respectful of school property, follow school rules, demonstrate good character by being honest and dependable, and give back to the community. The action begins with students define what it means to them to be a good citizen. In each of three scenarios, students demonstrate good or bad citizenship. In the first vignette, a student working in the science lab spills water. Another student criticizes him, while the others help him clean it up. Next, a couple of students are talking in class and, after a reprimand, one of them continues being disruptive. The last scenario takes place in the boys' bathroom. Two children call another boy "four eyes," and show him the picture that they've drawn of him on a wall. Another student advises the bullied boy to tell a teacher and offers to accompany him. After each scene, the pillars are reviewed and students are invited to identify who is a good or a bad citizen. A useful tool to stimulate class discussions.—Constance Dickerson, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, OH