The focus is on volunteers within the local school. Students discuss the concept of what it means to volunteer, then identify and interview volunteers at the school. This process of volunteering can be seen as the first step toward developing an understanding of what it means to be politically active. This activity relates to the 'Citizens and Public Life' theme in the Discovering Democracy School Materials Project. The concepts are explored further in the Middle Primary unit, Joining In .
Activity Ask students if they or their family or friends have been volunteers.
Have them describe what being a volunteer means. Record responses on the board. Create a concept map on the board with the students by categorising the different roles of volunteers and groups they may work for. Discuss the concept map and extend the definition of a volunteer. Develop a group definition for the term 'volunteer' and write this on the board.