Instruction 1-5

Rules and Responsibilities | Respect for Others | Making and Carrying Out Laws | The Structure of Government | Being a Good Citizen

Who are the people in your community?

• Family
• Friends
• Teachers
• Classmates
• Neighbors

These are just some of the people in your community. If you go to the store, you will see other shoppers. You will see people working at the store. These people are also part of your community.

The firefighters and police officers in your neighborhood are part of your community.

Can you think of other people in your community?

Your community includes all the people in your world. They may be people who live nearby. They may be people who have the same goals, needs, or beliefs as you. They are people that have something in common with you.

A citizen is a member of a large community—a nation. You are a citizen of a country if you were born there or if the law says you are. If you are a citizen of the United States of America, you are an American.

Your country has rules and laws. As a citizen, you must obey those laws. The laws have been put in place to protect you and other citizens. They help stop crime. They also protect your rights and freedoms.

If a person breaks a law, he or she commits a crime. The crime must be paid for. The person may have to pay money (called a fine) or go to jail. Most people do not want to have to do these things. This keeps many people from committing crimes.

Your number one job as a citizen is to obey laws. But there are other ways to be a good citizen! (http://www.hud.gov/kids/)

Grownups can be good citizens by voting during elections. If they are called to serve on a jury in court, they should do it. They should pay their taxes. They should try to help others in their community.

You can also be a good citizen! Here are some ways that kids can be good citizens.

• You should follow school rules.

• You should be quiet and listen when your teacher is talking.

• You should do your homework.

• You should help people who are in need.

• You should be kind to your neighbors.

• You should obey your parents.

• You should keep your room clean and neat.

• You should throw your garbage into the trash and not on the ground.

• You should recycle and take care of the environment.

• You should obey the laws.

• You should volunteer for groups that help your community.

• You should try to make your community a good place to live.

Can you think of other ways to be a good citizen?

It is important to be a good citizen. When people are good citizens, they make the world a better place!

Video Instruction
*Availability of You Tube video links may vary. eTAP has no control of these materials.

• Being A Good Citizen: Recycle Rap [approx. 3:00]

• Pledge of allegiance - Red Skelton [4:19]

for Students, Parents and Teachers

Now let's do Practice Exercise 1-5 (top).