Activity: Students listen to the video twice. Optional: the second time through, they can dance along either in their seats or standing up since it’s a song that invites listeners to sing along

and dance. They are guided by their teacher to go through the lyrics (written by the teacher on a poster board), phrase by phrase, and discuss how to apply the advice about responsibility. They practice the song a third time, using the written lyrics as a guide.  Note to teachers: This is a great opportunity to turn a character education activity into literacy instruction. 

Materials needed: the video; space for dancing; a poster board with the lyrics

Poster board: Lyrics to the song by Ron Johnson

Responsibility, responsibility,

Set a good example for all to see.

What you do, 

Is who you are, 

Don’t blame others 

And you’ll go far. 

Whatever you do, 

Do your best, 

That’s the first step 

On the road to success. 

Responsibility, responsibility,

Set a good example for all to see

Responsibility, responsibility,

Always work hard, 

Be all you can be. 

Finish what you start, 

Complete what’s due, 

Never give up,

Always follow through. 

Plan ahead, 

Don’t wait to be asked, 

Take it upon yourself 

To complete the task. 

Responsibility, responsibility,

Set a good example for all to see.

Responsibility, responsibility,

Always work hard, 

Be all you can be.

Responsibility, responsibility,

Set a good example for all to see.

Always work hard, 

Be all you can be.

Directions: Explain: “Today we’re going to learn a song about responsibility. I’ll show you the video twice so you can try to learn some of the words. Sing along if you can. I have a poster here with the words in the chorus, so we’ll look at that after we’ve listened to the video.” Play the video twice and encourage students to try to sing the words. Display the chart with the lyrics and go over them phrase by phrase. Guide discussions on the advice given in the song. Ask questions, such as: 

• What does it mean to “set a good example for all to see”? Share about some of the things you do to set a good example and why it’s important. 
• “Don’t blame others and you’ll go far” - what does this mean to you? 
• Why is working hard and “doing your best” important? 
• What are some of the things you start and finish? How do you feel after you finish something?  How do you feel when you give up and don’t finish something? 

Wrap-up: Explain: “When you can practice being responsible here at school, at home, and in the community, you become more grown up and trustworthy. People know you’re someone they can depend on, and that feels really good!