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Respect and Democracy

Grades: 
6, 7, 8
Subjects: 
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Keywords & Concepts: 
Democratic Values
Respect

In this lesson the learners define respect and relate it to the core values and beliefs of a constitutional democracy.

Duration 
PrintOne 20-minute lesson
Objectives 

The learners will:

  • defne respect.
  • describe how democratic values apply to respect.
Materials 

copies of the handout: Core Values of American Constitutional Democracy

Bibliography 

CIVITAS: A Framework for Civic Education, a collaborative project of the Center for Civic Education and the Council for the Advancement of Citizenship, National Council for the Social Studies Bulletin No. 86,1991. Michigan Department of Education - Curriculum Development Unit: Social Studies 612198

 

Related Resources 

Instructions

Print

  1. Anticipatory Set:

    Display and ask the learners to reflect on the following definition of respect. Does it make sense? Is anything missing? What are examples? "valuing yourself/being proud of who you are, valuing others; valuing the world around you; being courteous with others and tolerant of personal differences"

  2. Small groups analyze what respect means using a Frayer Model. The Frayer Model puts the word respect in the middle, surrounded by boxes with the definition, characteristics, examples, and non-examples. 

  3. Scan the definitions and descriptions on the handout Core Values of American Constitutional Democracy. Use a highlighter to call attention to words or phrases that are related to respect/disrespect. 

  4. Write a reflection on this statement: The Core values of democracy depend on respect for the diverse make-up of the people involved. Give examples and include a personal point of view of why it is important to democracy to be deliberately respectful. 

Philanthropy Framework

  1. Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
    1. Standard PCS 01. Self, citizenship, and society
      1. Benchmark MS.4 Describe the characteristics of someone who helps others.
    2. Standard PCS 02. Diverse Cultures
      1. Benchmark MS.2 Describe the importance of hearing all voices in a community and respecting their right to be heard.
      2. Benchmark MS.3 Give an example of how philanthropy can transcend cultures.
  2. Strand PHIL.III Philanthropy and the Individual
    1. Standard PI 01. Reasons for Individual Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.3 Identify and give examples of stewardship in cultural traditions around the world.
      2. Benchmark MS.4 Identify and describe the actions of how citizens act for the common good.
      3. Benchmark MS.5 Describe the responsibility students have to act in the civil society sector to improve the common good.