Article of the Week.

Welcome to Rights Respecting School online Assembly.

Can you guess this week’s article from the pictures below?

It’s Article 15 – Freedom of association
Every child has the right to meet with other children and to join groups and organisations, as long as this does not stop other people from enjoying their rights.

Sometimes people say Article 15 is ‘The right to friends’ but that’s not what the article says!

Why do you think that there isn’t actually a ‘Right to have friends’ in the CRC?

Do all the people in the clubs and groups you belong to have to be your friend?

The list below is what is needed for you to enjoy the right to get together and join up with other children and young people.

• Clubs, organisations and groups that are near to you or can be accessed safely.
• Groups and organisations that have fun and appropriate activities.
• Safe places to meet.
• Choice of clubs in school.
• Encouragement from parents and carers to get involved.
• Activities to join in with that do not disrupt the rights of others.
• Freedom to start a group if there is something you feel strongly about.
• Clubs and organisations should not be too expensive to join.

Possible Follow up activities

(Early Level)

Think about a group or club you are part of. Create a poster or leaflet to encourage other people to join. Can you write a sentence why it is a good idea to join this group?

(First Level)

Imagine you are meeting a new child for the first time – it could be in a club or in your class. Make a list of questions you would like to find out to get to know them. What would you tell them about yourself?

Think of your favourite places to meet up with other young people. What makes for a place good for children/young people to get together?

(Second Level)

During these times it can be difficult to stay in touch with other young people and groups that we are part of. Make a list of 5 children that you would like to get in contact with. Write them a letter or video call them this week to find out how their week has been..

Research “Mosquito devices” (sonic anti-loitering devices) and what the purpose of these is? How do these relate to your rights? Should they be banned? Discuss with someone at home or with a friend online.

Extension Activity

Working with somebody at home, or by yourself, see if you can come up with a catchy phrase to remind people that all children have this particular right. Pass on your phrase to at least 5 people you know. You could design a poster and share it with us on twitter and tag us  @WoodlandsCnauld.

Reflection/Pupil Voice

Time to get your thinking hats on!

This week’s article is all about being with others but it is good for us sometimes to have reflection time on our own. Find some space and time and spend a few minutes thinking about these questions:

1. Not being able to be with others physically in our groups and clubs is hard. What are the things you miss most about this? (Perhaps discuss this with an adult or a friend).
2. Who are the adults who help to run your groups or clubs? Have you thanked them recently?
3. Hopefully all our groups, clubs and activities will happen again when it’s safe to do so. What will you do to enjoy, celebrate and respect freedom of association – yours and other peoples?

Click on the link. Hopefully we will al be ‘Together’ soon.

Let’s finish with Mr Green’s favourite assembly song.