Citizenship and early literacy

Start with a story

One of the simplest ways to integrate citizenship themes into work in the early years is to use a story with a theme about a moral or ethical issue. Several helpful guides detail books which cover specific issues, and sites such as Oxfam allow you to order the books directly from them.

One example of this is the UNESCO prize-winning ‘Something Else’ by Kathryn Cave (Puffin Books) where little Else tries really hard to fit in but feels different and alone.

This book is featured on the Anti-sectarianisim website with ideas for activities.

Recommendations for other books exploring complex issues can be found in 'Start With A Story: Supporting young children’s exploration of issues', available to order from Scotdec’s teaching resources catalogue. The book includes activity ideas and an extensive list of recommended books.

Try before you buy

If you wish to view or borrow books with citizenship themes, Scotdec, the network of Development Education Centres, produces a teacher’s resource catalogue and has lending libraries of resources for teachers. Visit the Scotdec links section for details of your nearest Development Education Centre.

It’s in the bag - using Storysacks

Storysacks are used by many early educators to bring stories to life for children and their families through imaginative props and games related to many fiction and non-fiction books.

Specific Storysacks have been developed to cover themes related to citizenship. Often these stories have links to other areas such as inclusion, global issues or health education. We feature some commercially produced Storysacks below, but of course making your own with the children and families in your centre can be half the fun.

Ringo the Flamingo
The Ringo the Flamingo Storysack looks at disability awareness. Ringo was not like the other flamingoes in his flock. His legs just didn’t work. Yet even though he could not join in all the games with his friends, Ringo had something unique to offer. This story was written by Neil Griffiths, the creator of Storysacks.

Handa’s surprise
The Handa's Surprise Storysack is often used alongside activities to encourage healthy eating. This Storysack provides resources to encourage children to retell the story in their own words. It includes props such as a Handa plush doll and fruit basket, animal masks and finger puppets, a non-fiction book on Kenya and a Mancala game.

Teacher’s resource books

Teaching Citizenship Through Traditional Tales
'Teaching Citizenship Through Traditional Tales', by Sue Ellis and Deirdre Grogan of Strathclyde University, is a resource book which asks children to respond to letters from characters in traditional stories, each one presenting a moral dilemma. Useful sample letters are included to ask children if, for example, Cinderella should forgive her wicked step sisters and let them move into the palace.

Sue Ellis and Deirdre Grogan gave a presentation on their book at a Learning and Teaching early years conference in 2006. Their PowerPoint presentation outlines how to use it most effectively.