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 Third Grade 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 the Third Grade Class of Santa Catalina.

ARTICLE ONE

Always tell the truth.
The way you act when someone is not around tells a lot about your character.

ARTICLE TWO

Treat everyone you know with respect and kindness. Never talk back to an adult.
 
ARTICLE THREE

Raise your hand to speak – but not when someone else is speaking.

ARTICLE FOUR

Come to school with a fresh, open mind. Always believe in yourself.

Executed this 24th day of September, 2008 at Monterey, California