Citizenship and Character

Citizenship and Character

Our goal is to teach our students how to be responsible global citizens who have the global knowledge, sensitivity to and respect for other cultures, and who are actively involved in addressing issues of human and environmental sustainability.

The Avon Maitland District School Board endorsed a list of 10 attributes that have been identified as the key qualities to good citizenship. This program continues today in all Avon Maitland Schools and has expanded into the communities served by the Board as a number of municipal councils have embraced the attributes and named themselves “Communities of Character”. (http://yourschools.ca/programs-services/character-education/)

We believe, model and practice the following character attributes in all Avon Maitland DSB schools:
Fairness – Treating everyone in a just and accepting manner
Honesty – Being trustworthy, sincere and truthful
Empathy – Understanding how someone else feels
Respect – Valuing self, others and our world
Courage – Facing the challenge
Integrity – Doing what is right and honourable
Optimism – Choosing to be positive
Compassion – Showing care and consideration
Perseverance– Staying purposeful and committed
Responsibility – Being reliable and accountable

How can a blog be used to amplify and improve citizenship and character? 

Teachers:

• lessons about character and citizenship shared on the blog
• create a page for each character trait on the blog with information, links to songs, video or other media that is accessible by our global audience
• CommonSense Media Digital Citizenship Lessons
• video conferencing with experts – opportunities for PD and engaging student learners in ways that promote improved communication, collaboration, and social networking skills
• cultivating responsible digital citizens (the ways in which students “behave” online)
• invite guest speakers (ie./ police officers) into our classroom to talk about internet safety, Facebook, cyber bullying . . .

Students:

• blogging introduces students to the variety of ways we can communicate, collaborate, and create online in digital spaces
• blogging provides students with opportunities to develop modern literacy skills (Modern Literacies: Basic, Information, Citizenship, Media, Global, Network)
• create iPad “Rules” posters or rules about using the internet safely and appropriately
• learn how to “respectfully disagree” or provide feedback in an appropriate, respectful and productive way
• CommonSense Media Digital Citizenship Lessons
• video conferencing with experts – opportunities to learn the school curriculum in new and exciting ways by engaging student learners to improve communication, collaboration, and social networking skills
• making iMovies or other products to showcase the different character attributes
• Earth Day – students can make videos or presentations about environmental stewardship
• collaborate on projects that have a global focus and purpose (How will you apply your learning to make a difference in the world?)
• connect with global learning partners in different parts of the world and collaborate on projects that will have a positive impact socially, environmentally, . . .
• Author Study – *Eric Walters, Walking Home *read an interactive text in print with multi-media links and resources with a social justice theme
• get involved and/or initiate school-wide projects/ initiatives – food drives, Me to We, student voice projects (students owning their learning – ie./ SOAR students get involved in community projects each year)
• Google yourself *What digital footprint are you (not) leaving?