Grade 3 Signs New Class Constitution

As part of its unit on Governing Our Land, students in Grade 3 studied the concept of democracy in our country, as well as the rights and responsibilities people often take for granted in a free society. Grade 3 students spent substantial time discussing rules, rights and responsibilities, and respect for themselves and for others. They talked about the importance of rules in society, homes, school and classroom.

The class discovered that voting is an important part of the democratic process, both with respect to our country’s Constitution and with respect to its own Class Constitution. The students learned that for every right, there is a concomitant responsibility, whether it is in local, county, state, or national government, or whether it is in the way all students function at Santa Catalina. The students spoke about the fact that they are responsible for such things as bringing their homework and their library books to school each day, and that they bear the consequences of their actions. The students worked cooperatively in groups and came up with what each group believed was an appropriate set of class rules which they believed would promote a secure, happy atmosphere where learning could take place. The class then voted on the final draft of the Class Constitution.

Preamble and Articles of our Constitution:
WE THE PEOPLE of Santa Catalina’s Grade 3 Classroom, in order to insure that we will have a safe, healthy place where no feelings will be hurt, where we can learn and complete our work without being disturbed, in an atmosphere where we cooperate with one another; where we know how to behave; and where we will always be proud of the kind, good citizens of our class, do hereby ordain and establish this CONSTITUTION for Grade 3 Class of Santa Catalina.

Article One:
Be respectful of our classmates, our teachers, and our classroom. Include everyone. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Don’t laugh at mistakes others make. Don’t be a complainer. Be yourself – and be proud of who you are.
Article Two:
Be happy. Don’t hurt others. Keep a smile on your face and it will spread to others. Keep an open mind and an open heart. Never give up, because Mrs. Gerstl has faith in you!
Article Three:
Follow directions, listen carefully, and do the best work you can. You don’t have to rush. Take the time to do things right, so you don’t have to take extra time to do things over.
Article Four:
Our room is a quiet zone. Use quiet voices inside. Don’t run while you’re inside. Be a good sport inside the classroom and outside. Make the words “third grade family” come alive by living by these rules.

Executed this 27th day of September, 2007 at Monterey, California