How can citizenship and morality be promoted in a secondary ELA classroom?

While citizenship and morality are not graded and tested, they are equally important to other content taught because they shape the kinds of people our students will become. It is important for students to be able to think critically and contribute to the national economy, but it is also important for them to be compassionate and take responsibility for issues in the community. I believe the best ways to promote citizenship and morality in the classroom are to focus on it in content, expect and reinforce it inside the classroom, and role model it in my own behavior.

            The English language arts classroom offers many times to tease out moral issues in content. Most, if not all, literature has some moral aspect that can be dissected, reflected upon, and discussed. For example, in a class reading The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, students can discuss issues such as mercy when Bilbo Baggins spares Gollum’s life and greed and generosity when Thorin Oakenshield and the dwarves decide to keep all of Smaug’s treasure for themselves.

            Another way morality and citizenship can be promoted is to expect it of everyone in the classroom. Expectations of respect should be established early and upheld throughout the year. Furthermore, when a moral issue comes up in the classroom, it should be discussed so that students can explore their own opinions surrounding the issue. The classroom needs to become a place where students feel safe to ask questions and voice their thoughts and opinions, even about controversial topics.

            As we discussed in class last week, it is very important for teachers to “practice what they preach” when it comes to morality and citizenship. If I expect my students to treat one another respectfully, then I must model this behavior by treating my students, families, and colleagues respectfully. If I expect students to come to class on time and prepared, then I must also come to class on time and prepared. I should never expect their students to do something that I do not do myself.