Mapping to MN State Standards
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The resources on this page have been selected by eLibraryMN and Minnesota Digital Library librarians and curators to support the MN English Language Arts and the Social Studies standards, both current and pending, specifically related to citizenship, that are relevant to students. Resources in eLibraryMN and EbooksMN have unlimited simultaneous user access and are freely available to anyone geolocated in Minnesota. The primary source resources detailed are available to all, regardless of location.
Please reach out with questions or suggestions about linking to, using, or sharing these resources.
Academic Research
Below is a collection of available topic overviews that link to many related articles and resources within ELM.
Britannica School Elementary: Citizenship Overview
Britannica School Middle: Citizenship Overview
Britannica School is a great place to start for an age-appropriate overview of citizenship. The topic is covered across all three levels (Elementary, Middle, High) with the additional capability of adjusting the reading level to retain the same themes for all students.
EBSCO Explora Kids: Social Studies Topic
In EBSCO Explora Kids, citizenship resources can be reached through the Social Studies subject page, as seen above.
Gale in Context Middle School: Citizenship Subject Advanced Search
Make sure to check out all the resources available on the subject in Gale- biographies, magazines, video, audio, primary sources, and more.
Ebooks
This is a curated group of fiction and nonfiction ebooks related to citizenship, Grade Interest Level K-8. All titles are available to students geolocated in MN without login. Linking directly to chapters is also possible. To link directly to the titles and share in your LMS or libguides, copy the link to the title(s) you want from our persistent link spreadsheet (if you are not accessing through the MackinVia app). Reach out to us with questions about linking.
Explains what citizenship means and discusses how to display proper citizenship. Includes color photographs.
We live here too! : kids talk about good citizenship
Uses an advice-column format to define citizenship and explain how it can be demonstrated or used in daily situations.
Understanding how you can help
Explains the roles and responsibilities of an involved citizen, from paying taxes to serving jury duty. Includes a section about notable individuals involved in government change, advice on how young people can get involved, a glossary, critical thinking questions, sources for further learning, and an index.
Examines what makes a good citizen through simple text and photographs. Includes a picture glossary.
Profiles various volunteer organizations within the U.S. that help senior citizens, the disabled, the environment, and the community as a whole.
Primary Sources
Resources below are recommended by MDL curators from partners in primary source history.
"Daddy is an American Just Like You"
This cover story of the "Ore, Iron and Men" magazine featured new citizen John Frenner and his family. The full article starts on page 14.
One responsibility of citizens is to serve in public office in local, state, or national governments.
"My Responsibility as a Citizen"
Student Myrtle Johnson wrote this essay during her senior year in high school for her student newspaper in Esko, Minnesota.
Peter Staub came to Minnesota in 1886 and had to gain his U.S. citizenship papers twice.
Civilian Conservation Corps class schedule
Enrollees of the CCC could take several different courses while employed, including citizenship classes.
The Hmong Cultural Center offered citizenship classes to help Hmong immigrants become U.S. citizens.
Interview with Kalsan Phuntsok
Immigrant Kalsan Phuntsok discussed Tibetans and U.S. citizenship. Search the transcript for details.
Interlibrary Loan/Resource Sharing
For in depth research into these topics, sometimes you need to request materials from other libraries. These can be digital or they can sometimes be printed books. There are two main options for requesting these materials. One, MNLINK, allows you to search all Minnesota libraries for the requires the use of a public library card and PIN. While many educators use their own library card to help students, it is recommended that students use their own. However, this is not always possible, so there is a second option: Minitex Resource sharing for schools. This allows one staff member per school to request items on behalf of students and have the items sent directly to the school building. If you have questions about which option is better for you and your students, reach out to us and we can help.