Wednesday, January 23, 2013

When to do the Breakfast Chores


In our civics lesson yesterday, we discussed the difference between democratic and republican governments.  To review, this morning I "pop quizzed" by utilizing a household matter:  breakfast chores.

 I gave them two options:
     1)  Do breakfast chores directly after breakfast.
     2)  Keep the usual routine of straightening up and doing a little extra after lunch.

I first had them vote in a democratic way to see what the majority voted.  It was decided using this method to do chores after lunch.

In a republic, the people decide what laws to make based on the common good-the best interest of all and not a few.  To demonstrate this concept, I asked each child what was best for everyone in the house and why they thought so.  This gave them a different perspective.  They all chose option #1.  They all showed true civic virtue when they decided it was in everyone's best interest to do the chores directly after breakfast because the kitchen would be clean and that is good for everyone. 

A very common misconception about our government is that it is a democracy instead of a republic. A good way to remember is to recall the line in the Pledge of Allegiance that goes: and to the Republic for which it stands (Are you reciting the Pledge of Allegiance daily? You should be!). 

TIP: Apply civics to daily life, and kids will comprehend no matter what age.  If you aren't up on your civics, don't fret.  Check out the  Center For Civic Education for some great resources.  Stay tuned to this blog and "like"  Mrs. Redd's Classroom on Facebook to get more info and connect with other homeschooling families.

Happy Homeschooling!
Mrs. Redd
Kindergarten, First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Homeschooler - TeachersPayTeachers.com

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