Ask CEdRIC

Key Stage 2 Rights, Rules & Responsibilities

Return to Key Stage 2 Framework

Lesson Plan

Teaching Objectives	Possible Teaching Activity	Learning Outcomes
Children should learn: the distinction between rules and the law that damage/theft to personal property has an effect on the victim of the crime that Parliament makes the law on behalf of the country about the concept of voting	Begin the lesson by recapping the types of rules that children have in their lives. Introduce the idea of law. Talk to the children about some the laws that affect their lives. Describe a range of situations where damage/loss to personal property is involved. Ask the children how they would feel if someone else damaged or stole their property. Talk to the students about making law. Who do they think makes the law? Introduce the words 'Prime Minister and Parliament'. Explain to the students the way in which Parliament works to make our law. Look at the idea of voting and explain to the children that this is the way in which the public are allowed to help choose who sits in parliament and gets to make the rules.	Children will be able to recognise that some of the rules in their lives are actually the law and how the law benefits and protects their interests. Children will understand that Parliament makes the law and they will also understand the concept of voting and how they can have their say on certain matters.

Teacher Notes

What laws affect my life?

Background Notes

Rules are essential in order for people to live together as they ensure everyone is treated fairly and in the same way.

A set of rules can tell us two things:

1) what we must or are allowed to do, eg - you must wear school uniform

2) what we are not allowed to do, eg - you must not throw stones

By having a set of rules it will mean that everyone has to follow the rules and know what they can and cannot do.

This Country has a set of rules, some of which set standards for our personal behaviour. Rules such as these are called 'law'.

Whether you have to wear a uniform is up to the school; it may be one of their rules but it isn't the law. Whereas it is the law that you must to stay in full-time education until you are sixteen which ensures that all children get a fair and equal chance of receiving an education.

Suggested Teaching Activity

Class Discussion

The Department for Transport website contains a teaching section (www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/informationforparentsteacher6173) showing how our lives could be affected if there were no rules when we were using the road. Use this to look at how the law makes us safe (wearing seat belts, stopping at red lights, etc) to show how and why such laws are so important.

Return to top

�

How would I feel if someone damaged my property

Background Notes

Although most of society takes notice of the law there are some people who think that they can break the law whenever they feel like it. When you break the law, you could face a punishment - which could be a fine or even imprisonment.

If you break the law, not only do you face punishment, you also affect other people's lives. How would you feel if someone stole your bike or smashed your playstation?

We all have a choice about the way we behave and your choice of behaviour has a direct impact on others. You have a right for you and your property to be safe but you also have a responsibility to play or behave in a way that respects the right of others to feel safe too.

�

Return to top

�

Who is responsible for making the law?

Background Information

All societies have to make policy choices, confront problems, resolve conflicts, handle disagreements, decide who gets what and how. Someone has to make decisions in order that the Country can function properly and this is why politics and politicians are important.

The governance of a modern society is a huge task and at the heart of the British political process is the Government of the day (headed by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet).

The Government itself is responsible to Parliament.

Parliament

The Parliament of the UK actually consists of :

• The Queen
• The House of Lords
• The House of Commons

They all work together to carry out the work of Parliament. The site of the Houses of Parliament is the Palace of Westminster (www.parliament.uk/parliament/guide/palace.htm)

Suggested Teaching Activity

Project Work

The Parliamentry Education Unit have produced 'The Palace of Westminster: A Guide for Young People' which is aimed at 8-12 year old pupils and is suitable for project/topic work.
(www.explore.parliament.uk/cms/DocumentUploads/palaceofwestminster.pdf)

Games and Activities

The Parliamentary website (www.explore.parliament.uk/) has a special section especially designed for younger students which includes games, activities and information.

Class Visit

The Parliamentary Education Unit offers a range of educational visits for students years 3 � 10 throughout the year. Details are available from the UK Parliamentary website.
(www.parliament.uk/directories/hcio/tours.cfm#Schools)

Video and Worksheets

'You've got the Power' (www.explore.parliament.uk/Parliament.aspx?id=363#PEB) is an animated DVD split into modules, which explains the role and work of Parliament. Available at both primary and secondary level, each pack contains a DVD and supporting teachers' notes which include lesson plans and worksheets.

Return to top

�

Why is voting important in my life?

Background Information

Being allowed to vote in decision-making is very important as it gives you the chance to have your say.

Fair and free elections are an essential part of a democracy, allowing the majority of citizens to determine how they would like to country to be run.

Elections enable the electorate to participate in choosing the government and help to make the government accountable to the people.

Connect to further teaching information on elections on the UK Parliament website.
(www.parliament.uk/works/elections.cfm)

Suggested Teaching Activity

Class Participation

Junior Election has been developed by the Parliamentary Education Unit. It is an activity designed to help pupils understand the electoral process by participating in an election.
(www.explore.parliament.uk/parliament.aspx?id=251)

The election involves three fictitious parties with policies that are intended to appeal to children. A set of resources has been developed to provide schools with a complete 'election kit'.

Return to top