Citizenship in the Classroom

Today's lessons in my practicum centered around citizenship. Students had to consider the different levels of citizenship, beginning in their homes and ending at the national level. They had to consider the sources that give them their rights and responsibilities at each of those levels - from the United States Constitution, down to their student handbook and the adults that they live with. Students discussed their rights: to free speech, to vote someday, to receive a free and appropriate public education, use local parks, attend athletic events, and have food on the table, among thousands of other rights.

Students engaged in great conversations. They asked if individuals with dual citizenship have to pay taxes to both nations. They considered what it means to be a good citizen and what that looks like. Beyond that, I saw what happens when a lesson doesn't go quite as planned and when to do to adjust when students become disengaged. The first group discussed citizenship with a Powerpoint presentation guiding the way. While students did well with it at first, they lost interest as time went on. In order to adapt for the next group, Mr. Scott switched it up and ditched the Powerpoint presentation and instead started as a whole group discussion before having students partner up and read about each of the pieces of citizenship and continue their discussion together. The lesson remained the same overall, but Mr. Scott was able to show me how to adjust quickly so that the lesson would go more smoothly for the next group.

While the day was low-key, it was productive as I notice that students are becoming more comfortable with me being in the classroom and I'm beginning to get to know them better.