Other forms of recreation are moving pictures and theaters. The community sees that law and order are kept in all these places, so that it may be safe for young and old to enjoy the recreation afforded. Everyone should have some pleasant outdoor recreation or exercise to preserve his health. Recreation that adds to our health, or knowledge, or acquaintance, is better than recreation that simply amuses. Recreation that injures the health is worse than none. It is better that young people take their recreation during the day, rather than at night. If they do go out at night, it should be in the company of their parents. Questions and Topics for Discussion What is needed besides work to keep the body strong? Why do the young need recreation? What does your community do to supply children with recreation? Why do grown men and women need recreation? Name some outdoor recreations. Name some indoor recreations. What kind of recreation is best? What means of recreation does your community afford? Where are they? How does the community try to make places of recreation safe? How can you help the community to make them safe? How can you help make them healthy? Why should young people take their recreation during the day? When do your children take theirs? LESSON VIII OUR DUTY TO THE COMMUNITY We have seen that the community serves and protects its citizens. The policeman protects us, our homes, and our property. He watches over us day and night. The firemen are ready to save us from the dangers of fire. The health department makes and enforces laws that protect our health. There are hospitals and clinics where we may be treated free of charge if we cannot pay. The street department provides and maintains good roads. It sees that they are lighted for business and for protection. Traffic rules are made for the safety of travelers. The community does all of these things for our service and our protection. We must do our part by obeying the laws, by helping to keep the streets clean, by obeying the traffic rules, by avoiding the causes of fire, by obeying the health rules, and by serving our community in every way that we can. If each one does his part we shall have a good community in which to live. It will be clean, it will be safe, and it will be healthy. It is everyone's duty to observe the laws of the community and to obey its rules. Questions and Topics for Discussion Name five ways in which the community serves and protects its citizens. How can we serve the community? Why is it necessary for each one to do his part? If each one does his part, what kind of a community shall we have? How will this kind of a community benefit you and your family? LESSON IX OUR RIGHTS IN THE COMMUNITY Every citizen has certain duties in the community. These rights were obtained by years of struggle and are named in our Constitution. They are sacred to everyone who lives in America. Free Speech One of these rights is that of free speech. Everyone in America has a right to voice his opinion on all matters, as long as he speaks the truth, does not injure his fellow-men, and is not disloyal to America. Free Press A free press is the right of Americans. Here, also, that which is printed must be the truth, and not of such nature as to cause riots or disturbances. Religious Liberty One of our most important rights is that of religious liberty. Since the days of the early settlers freedom to worship God as they wished has been the right of all in America. Millions of people have come here that they might enjoy this right. Right to Trial Another important right is that of a fair trial. No one can be sentenced to prison for any crime until his case has been tried in the courts. This is the only fair way, as it sometimes happens that people are accused of crime unjustly. A fair trial almost always results in freeing such a person. Protection of Life and Property Everyone has the right to protect his life. A person's property may not be taken from him except by the court, and then only for cause and after a fair trial. Sometimes a certain piece of property is needed for the public good. In this case it may be taken by the community, but the owner must be paid a fair price for it. The Right to Vote and Hold Office The only right denied those who are not citizens is the right to vote and hold office. Every citizen has the right, and it is his duty, to help in electing officers, and in deciding how the affairs of the community shall be carried on. It is only fair that those who enjoy all other rights should become citizens and accept their share in helping to run the government. Questions and Topics for Discussion Write on the blackboard six rights that the citizen has in his community. Do these rights belong to every citizen? How were they obtained? Which right do you think is the most important? LESSON X HOW TO BECOME A USEFUL MEMBER OF A COMMUNITY NOTE TO TEACHER. Have the class make such additions to the following list as they think desirable. Write them on the board and discuss. Copy the complete list into notebooks. There are many ways in which we may become useful members of the community. The following are some of them: 1. Take part in the social and civic affairs of the community. 2. Know its laws and obey them. 3. Help to keep streets, alleys, and parks clean. 4. Respect and obey all officers of the law. 5. Prepare yourself to vote 6. Attend political meetings and conventions. 7. Understand public questions so that you can vote intelligently. 8. Be ready and willing to hold office if the citizens of the community wish it. 9. Pay your share of the community's expenses. 10. Help to secure order and to protect other citizens from harm. |