Activity 4: Matching Rights and Responsibilities

Activity 4: Matching Rights and Responsibilities

Why we like it: This activity encourages children to think about the connections
between ‘rights’ and ‘responsibilities’. It invites children to think about who is involved and why (including themselves!)

What you will need: Child Rights and Responsibilities cards (cut out). Large piece of paper and glue.

How long: 20-40 minutes

How it works:

  • As a class, discuss what the words ‘right’ and ‘responsibility’ mean in the context
    of child rights.

    • Every child in Canada and around the world from birth to 18 has rights.
      Rights are what you should have or be able to do to survive, thrive and
      meet your full potential. All rights are equally important and are connected
      to each other. You are born with these rights, and no one can take them
      away.
  • Children’s rights are special because adults and governments need to
    keep the promises that they have made in the Convention on the Rights of
    the Child. Each right has a matching responsibility.

    • As a class, make a list of different people that are responsible for child rights.

Hint:

  • Think of the people that help children to be healthy, safe, heard and to be
    themselves. Prompt: parents, doctors, police, teachers, nurses, social workers,
    faith-based leaders, clubs, government officials, etc.
  • In pairs or small groups, ask the children to ‘match’ a ‘right’ with the
    ‘responsibility’. Encourage the children to come to a consensus about why they
    match.
  • Glue cards onto a piece of paper for keeping or displaying

Reflection:

  • Which were the easiest and most challenging cards to match? What was most
    interesting or surprising?
  • What are some matching rights and responsibilities that you practice everyday at
    school? (E.g. I have the right to feel and be safe at school – not bullied; and I have
    the responsibility to be respectful and kind to others).

Tips & variations: In pre-COVID times, students played a ‘fishing game’ to match the rights and responsibilities. This could also be turned into a ‘memory game’ style activity.

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