|
1. Write the word “American” on the board or on a transparency. Ask students to brainstorm on the term. Guide students to consider who is included in the term “American”.
2. Ask students to make a list of answers to the question, “What are the responsibilities of an American?”
3 Discuss some of their answers. If military service is not discussed in some of the responses, elicit it.
4. Present the following facts:
- More than 30,000 foreign-born people (naturalized and non-citizens) currently serve in the military.
- Immigrants in the military can apply for U.S. citizenship after three years of service. On July 4, 2002, President George W. Bush offered citizenship to the 15,000 immigrants in the military.
- Immigrants make up 20 percent of Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, the nation’s highest award for military valor.
5. Divide students into small groups and distribute the photographs of the soldiers who volunteered for the United States military during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In small groups, students should look over the following photographs and read the notes about the individuals.
 Lesson 1 Photos Handout
6. Based on the notes that accompany the pictures, have students revisit and add to their list of “What are the responsibilities of an American?”
7. Ask students what it takes to truly be considered an American.
8. Students draw upon their notes, photographs, and class discussion to write a short reflection answering this question:
Do you consider yourself an American? If no, then why not? If yes, then how can you fulfill your responsibilities as an American?
|
