The Language of Petitions 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 A petition is a document that asks a person in authority or some other body to take some action. It could be to change a rule or policy or even address a grievance. The petition can be signed by one or many persons. A petition is accepted only if it follows the rules the class makes for petitions. The rules are designed to make sure the intent of the petition is clear and that the petition is genuine. It must state what the petitioner wants it to do ( called the - prayer) and then be signed. The petitioner may collect signatures of others to support the petition to give it more weight. Having a Say Discuss and debate 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. 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. Now widen the proposition to contributing to the running of the school. 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. Brainstorming Through brainstorming in groups, have the class create a list of areas - that they feel they can/should contribute to the running of: 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 . . . Detailing and Justification Assign each group the task of listing in detail the responsibilities they believe they should carry out in one area. 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. Introducing Petitions 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. 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. It must state what the children want to take responsibility for (the Prayer). . It must be addressed to the correct person. (Teacher/Principal) It must contain the groups signatures. Pupils must try to 'lend weight' to their petition by gathering signatures from class and school members. They will gather these signatures by running a campaign. Making Petitions Exciting Turn the signature gathering into an exciting class and school wide activity by groups preparing a signature gathering campaign. The Challenge. Groups have to convince class and school pupils to sign their petition. The Promotion. They are to promote the fact that the classroom/ school will be more effective with increased pupil responsibility. The Message. Have them choose several of the following to get their message across … informal talks at assembly role plays and dramas models and diagrams, eg a new classroom seating plan posters promoting the petition paintings, eg a new garden layout fashion parade for new school uniforms a copy of new school rules producing advertising brochures musical jingles staged debates questionnaires soap box speakers in the playground virtual radio and TV interviews asking opinions personal letters to pupils promotional placard march graphs and opinion polls Presenting the Petitions To encourage pupil participation and responsibility, treat all petitions with sincerity and enthusiasm. Arrange for a special presentation ceremony of the petitions e.g. 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. 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. Arrange for the petitions to be replied to after consideration. This could be done with the petitioners or at a full class meeting. Final Ideas 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. Encourage individual petitions as part of your language programme. 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. Evaluation: Do your students … participate effectively and democratically in school life? demonstrate consideration and respect for others? take responsibility for jointly decided decisions? argue a case clearly, logically and convincingly? present information clearly, logically and accurately? Sample Petition Form To the Principal/Teacher of __________________________________________________________ The Petition of ________________________________(Name of Petitioner/s) Class _________________ Signature _____________________________________________ and _______________ others (Write total number of signatures) Respectfully submits: That ____________ School commence at 8.30am during the winter term, has a half hour lunchtime and close at 2.00pm and this be followed by a daily clubs and hobbies hour until 3.00pm Name Signature Class                               Do you have a lesson you would like to share with other teachers? Simply email us an attached Word, Works or PDF file and we will add it to our library. Don't forget to include your name and school so we can acknowledge your work.