What is a citizen?
A citizen is a member of a community or country. You are a citizen of your class, your school, your town and your country.
A community is a group of people who live, work or learn in the same place. Your neighbourhood is a community. Your school is a community too.
Good citizens help make their communities happy, safe and clean places to live. You don’t have to be a grown-up to be a good citizen. Kids can do it every day!
What good citizens do
| A good citizen… | Example |
|---|---|
| is kind | helps a friend who fell down |
| shows respect | listens when others are talking |
| is honest | tells the truth, even when it is hard |
| is responsible | does their chores and homework |
| follows rules | walks in the hallway |
| cares for the community | picks up litter |
| includes others | asks a new student to play |
Kind and helpful
Good citizens show kindness. They:
- help a friend who is sad
- share their things
- include people who want to play
- say please, thank you and excuse me
Small acts of kindness make a big difference. Holding the door for someone or saying "Good job!" can make a person’s whole day better.
Showing respect
Respect means treating people and things with care. You show respect when you:
- listen while others talk
- use polite words
- wait your turn
- take care of things that belong to others
People are different. They may look different, speak different languages or celebrate different holidays. Good citizens respect everyone and learn from each other.
Taking care of shared things, like a library book or the classroom computer, shows respect too.
Honest and responsible
Good citizens tell the truth. If you break something by accident, you tell a grown-up. Being honest helps people trust you.
Good citizens are also responsible. They do their jobs, keep their promises and clean up after themselves.
Caring for your community
Good citizens care for the place where they live. They:
- put garbage in the bin
- recycle paper, cans and bottles
- help keep parks and playgrounds clean
- are careful with water and electricity
- plant trees or flowers
Helping others
A volunteer is someone who helps without being paid. Many people volunteer in their communities. They might:
- help at a food bank
- read to children at the library
- clean up a beach or park
- visit seniors
- collect warm coats for people who need them
Kids can volunteer too, often with a grown-up. You might make cards for a seniors’ home or help collect food for a food drive.
Good citizens in Canada and the United States
When citizens grow up, they have even more ways to help. They vote to choose leaders, follow the laws and serve on juries. Some join groups that help their town. Learning to be a good citizen now gets you ready for all of these jobs later.
Try it yourself
- Name three things you did this week that made you a good citizen.
- What could your class do to help your school community?
- Draw a picture of someone showing kindness.
- Make a "Good Citizen" chart and add a sticker each time you help someone.
Tip for families
Do a small community project together: pick up litter on a walk, bake for a neighbour or donate toys you no longer use.
Quick recap
- A citizen is a member of a community or country.
- Good citizens are kind, respectful, honest and responsible.
- They follow rules and care for their community.
- Volunteers help others without being paid.
- Kids can be good citizens every day.