-NiE ,
INTERMEDIATE Civic responsibility
NiE Activity 1
THE notion of civic responsibility originated from Roman statesman Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus. His selfless devotion to the state made him a hero among the Romans. Another altruistic person who is iconic for acts of civic responsibility is Martin Luther King Jr. His fight for equality through lectures, dialogues, movements and marches changed not only America’s perspective on equality but also that of the entire world. Having the mindset to be civically responsible will bring immense goodness to a society. Therefore, it is vital to inculcate civic responsibility in children from a young age. It will teach them to be philanthropic and to speak against inhumane acts. Big hearted: Tan helping a resident with physiotherapy at his Peace and Harmony Home in Bukit Dumbar, Penang. Creative thinking
● Reason
● Imagine
● Connect
Communicating ● Oral ● Written
● Aural
An individual often has to go the extra mile when fulfilling his civic responsibility. Read the excerpt below. Then, answer the questions that follow.
A
What do you understand by the word “vow”? Explain the meaning of this word by using only the clues provided in the excerpt. ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________
Helping the elderly recover GEORGE TOWN: Tan Swee Ban made a vow eight years ago to look after and help the elderly who are sick and with no family. He has not looked back since and has helped over 300 senior citizens. The 53-year-old founder of Peace and Harmony Home, a non-profit nursing home located in Jalan Thomas, Bukit Dumbar, said he set up an old folks home that can accommodate up to 100 residents after seeing many abandoned senior citizens at a hospital... “It’s not an easy job but I enjoy doing this. I am happy when they are happy. I am happy when I see them getting better and when they hug or kiss me. “It gives me great joy to be able to help them,” he added. – The Star, Apr 27, 2017
B
How is Tan Swee Ban rewarded for his efforts? Give a sentence from the excerpt as evidence for your answer. ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________
C
Do you see yourself doing something like this, as part of your civic responsibility? Why or why not? Share your views with your classmates. ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________
NiE Activity 2 Critical thinking ● Identify ● Reason
● Organise
Creative thinking ● Imagine ● Brainstorm
Communicating ● Oral ● Non-verbal
● Written ● Aural
● Connect ● Invent
Problem solving ● Recreate
● Present
Collaborating ● Listen
● Attain Goal
● Contribute respectfully
B
Imagine that your group has been tasked to design a plaque, medal or trophy to be given to each of the 10 winners of The Star Golden Hearts Award. Using words and pictures taken from The Star, create the plaque, medal or trophy on a sheet of A4 paper. Or, you may even create a 3D model of the award using the newspapers. Then, present your work in class and convince your classmates to “buy” the design. As a class, vote for the most stunning design.
The Star
Golden Hearts
Award
A
The Star Golden Hearts Award is given to people who have helped others in need regardless of their race, colour or status. It is supported by Yayasan Gamuda. A Star-Gamuda Inspiration Award winner will be chosen from the pool of 10 recipients of the Star Golden Hearts Award 2017. This winner must fit the criteria of heroism, altruism and inclusivity. In groups of four, discuss the meanings of these words: i) Heroism: ________________________________________ ii) Altruism: ________________________________________ iii) Inclusivity: ________________________________________ Do you have what it takes to win The Star Golden Hearts Award, as well as the Star-Gamuda Inspiration Award? Why or why not? Individually, complete the table below. Then, share your experiences with your group.
Do you:
Yes/No
If yes, explain how the quality or characteristic is exhibited through your actions. If no, explain what you can do to show more civic responsibility in this regard.
Yes/No
If yes, explain how the quality or characteristic is exhibited through your actions. If no, explain what you can do to improve yourself in this regard.
Help others in need, regardless of race, colour or status?
Are you:
9
Putting others before yourself
Critical thinking ● Identify
5 JULY 2017
Heroic? Altruistic? Inclusive? Note to teacher: At the end of this activity, ask the students to reflect on their attitudes and actions, and how they can emulate those who exhibit the criteria listed.