Teach the children about citizenship through history and narrative. Discuss democratic principles and encourage them to research key milestones, such as the Pilgrims and the Declaration of Independence. Teach them about more recent events, such as the suffragettes' struggle for voting rights for women and the civil rights and anti-apartheid movements. Assign the children projects to stimulate their interest. If parents and grandparents have relevant stories to tell, invite them to talk to the children.
Talk to the children about local politics and volunteer work. Link their own behavior to the larger society around them. If a child helps another classmate, for instance, praise the child, and ask the other class members to give examples of people they know who help neighbors, whether in an informal or more formal way. Discuss principles and ideas of fellowship, loyalty and team spirit.
Discuss ideas of responsibility and irresponsibility. Ask the children to explore the work of the emergency services, and how this can be affected by people's reckless or irresponsible behavior. If possible, arrange a field trip or ask representatives from the local police or fire departments to speak to the children.
Hold class elections to elect a class council with a leader. Teach the children how to campaign and garner support. Allow the class leader or the council to canvass the views of all the children on issues such as playtime. Encourage them to lobby you or the school principal to change unpopular school policies.