Here are some definitions of citizenship for kids to learn, so they feel good about themselves in their roles in the family and at school.

Kids of all abilities can practice citizenship to the best of their capabilities - the outcome being others are more willing to step in and help when needed, and harmony is maintained in the group, in society. It is a useful social skill.

Statements of good citizenship

I …
- act with kindness and consideration for others' feelings and thoughts.
- make the world a nicer place to be with the attitude of beginning with me by doing my best as an example for friends and others.
- am a willing partner in the whole outcome - at home, school and play.
- help without hindering others' work or projects.
- follow the "golden rule" of treating others as I want to be treated.

The adults working with kids need to be models of good citizenship in interactions with peers, parents and the kids. After all, kids learn from example - what is modeled - rather than reading how to live best in society.

For example - if the day's lesson focuses on a story about being kind - the teacher should kindly help the students with their lessons.

In the little microcosm of the classroom and home, kids are learning how to act in socially acceptable ways in the macrocosm of the world.

Citizenship is an ongoing study, good experiences compounding day by day.

An added bonus for kids and adults, alike, is that everyone feels better when harmony prevails in the family and classroom.

Good citizenship is a goal worth working on that benefits everyone concerned now and in the future.

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The entire series is in this book:
Yoga for all Kids - With illustrations and descriptions, how to teach 4 styles of meditation and 15 gentle moving yoga poses that can be used as a basic motor skills lesson plan, plus 12 how to live chapters and a dictionary of 40 definitions of happiness in 83 pages. For kids of all ages and abilities - for teens and adults, too! Available as an Ebook or Print Book


Article by Susan Kramer