Engage: Use a topic web to brainstorm ideas about what "responsibility" means to the children. In the middle of a large oval write the word responsibility. As the children provide ideas, definitions, examples, write them on lines that you draw going out from the oval.
Revisit: After reading a book selections of your choice, discuss how the main character, or group of characters, did or did not act responsibly .
Extention: The children can illustrate a page showing they can be responsible in the classroom or at home. "I am responsible when I..." Use one or more of the following activities to solidify the concept of responsibility.
Books to Help Teach Responsibility.
Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola
Swimmy by Leo Lionni
Frederic by leo Lionni
Keep the Light Burning, Addie by Connie Roop
The Little Red Hen by Paul Galdone
Tops & Bottoms by Janet stevens
Activities to Model Responsibility
Team and Class Jobs
Have the children take responsibility for a variety of class tasks. The jobs that we incorporate in our classroom include: Line Leader, Door Holder, Lights, Teacher's Helpers (2), Supply Captains (1 per table team), Messengers (2), Computer Monitor, Bookworm, Zoo Keeper (feeds & waters are many "critters") and Classroom Maintenance (1 per team). I try to make sure every child has a job, every week.
Picture Them!
Take pictures of people who work in your school (principal, assistant principal, secretary, clerk, cafeteria workers, custodians, other teachers, support staff, etc). Put them on a bulletin board and label their job. Ask them to visit your class for a short, 15 minute interview process to find out what they do for the school community. Keep track of what they tell the children. Write these up for a short description to add to the board.
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