s&s ONLINE

Practical Democracy in the Classroom and School

… a social studies/language unit exploring the concept of improving democratic classroom student participation in relation to our democratic system of government.

Curriculum Strands

Social Studies: Social Organisation and Processes
English: Oral, Visual, Written,
Reading, Writing, Listening, Viewing, Speaking, Presenting
Links to … Maths, Music, Art

Levels 2-4

Key Ideas

1. A petition is a document that asks a person in authority or some other body to take some action.
2. It could be to change a rule or policy or even address a grievance.
3. The petition can be signed by one or many persons.
4. A petition is accepted only if it follows the rules the class makes for petitions.
5. The rules are designed to make sure the intent of the petition is clear and that the petition is genuine.
6. It must state what the petitioner wants it to do ( called the - prayer) and then be signed.
7. The petitioner may collect signatures of others to support the petition to give it more weight.

1. How do people in New Zealand have their say in the running of their country apart from voting for a party in a general election? Introduce the idea of petitions as a means of letting a current government know of the needs of groups of people in our society. Discuss the part that petitions play in our democracy.
   
   
2. Introduce the proposition that 'It is important for pupils to have a say in the running of the classroom'. Groups discuss this idea and report back their reasons why.
   
   
3. Now widen the proposition to contributing to the running of the school.
   
   
4. Debate both propositions. It is important to give pupils the experience of arguing both sides of the proposition. A higher standard of debate is achieved if notes are prepared.

• the classroom
  
  
• the school

Possibilities can include: .equipment • school rules • homework setting up of clubs • greeting visitors • classroom seating • evaluating work • ground layout and gardens • fundraising • uniforms • clubs and leisure activities . . .

1. Assign each group the task of listing in detail the responsibilities they believe they should carry out in one area.
   
   
2. Identify. Each responsibility identified must also include justification of the benefits for carrying this out, e.g. smoother running of the classroom, giving the teacher more time to plan lessons, helping pupils learn to accept responsibility.

1. Define: Explain and define the idea of a petition to the class. Bring out the idea that it is one real way that people can ask for something to be done.
   
   
2. The Task: Groups are to prepare a petition for their area of responsibility and present it to the most appropriate person - school principal or classroom teacher. Use the format provided at the end of this unit.
   
   
3. It must state what the children want to take responsibility for (the Prayer). . It must be addressed to the correct person. (Teacher/Principal)
   
   
4. It must contain the groups signatures.
   
   
5. Pupils must try to 'lend weight' to their petition by gathering signatures from class and school members.
   
   
6. They will gather these signatures by running a campaign.

Turn the signature gathering into an exciting class and school wide activity by groups preparing a signature gathering campaign.

1. The Challenge. Groups have to convince class and school pupils to sign their petition.
   
   
2. The Promotion. They are to promote the fact that the classroom/ school will be more effective with increased pupil responsibility.
   
   
3. The Message. Have them choose several of the following to get their message across …

To encourage pupil participation and responsibility, treat all petitions with sincerity and enthusiasm.

1. Arrange for a special presentation ceremony of the petitions e.g.
   
   
2. A brief speech may be given by the petitioners and the petitions formally handed over. Arrange for supporters of the petition to attend therefore lend support.
   
   
3. Inform the petitioners that their 'prayer will be seriously considered. You may require further information or even want them to address the B.O.T.
   
   
4. Arrange for the petitions to be replied to after consideration. This could be done with the petitioners or at a full class meeting.

1. If you or the principal accepts all or most of the 'prayer', ensure that the children are given the responsibility, time and encouragement to implement it. Hold regular reviews.
   
   
2. Encourage individual petitions as part of your language programme.
   
   
3. Petitions are normally presented to Parliament at the start of the 2pm broadcast. Listen in and have children discuss reasons for and merits of Parliamentary petitions.

1. participate effectively and democratically in school life?
2. demonstrate consideration and respect for others?
3. take responsibility for jointly decided decisions?
4. argue a case clearly, logically and convincingly?
5. present information clearly, logically and accurately?

Sample Petition Form