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Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The Civics Edition

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Kathryn deBros December 19, 2014

Learning doesn’t have to be limited to the classroom. Supplement your child’s knowledge with these activities to develop her sense of civic duty.

In this course, participants learn core principles, concepts, and methods of continuous improvement and explore the history of continuous improvement efforts. In a series of lectures, Master Black Belt in Six Sigma Shane Wentz, Ph.D., enables learners to enhance, optimize, and stabilize business processes and to augment quality control through varied methodologies. Participants gain the skills and knowledge to reimagine internal processes, engage in advanced problem-solving, and empower employees. The course covers high-level foundational principles of Lean, Six Sigma, and DMAIC processes before diving deep into Lean Six Sigma methods. Learners will analyze the tools of process mapping, Kaizen (a continuous improvement method/tool deemed a prerequisite for Lean transformation success), Lean (a continuous improvement philosophy that emphasizes streamlined workflows and reducing waste), and the process improvement methodology driving DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.

Entrepreneurs fostering new ventures outside of well-developed entrepreneurial ecosystems like Silicon Valley face significant challenges. These markets are unlike Silicon Valley, and they will likely remain so. That doesn't mean they can't nurture and sustain new businesses. In transitioning markets that lack abundant private sector financing, creative approaches from government officials, donors, and business leaders can fill the void to support entrepreneurial activity. Northeast Ohio (where Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University are located) has become a laboratory for such innovative solutions. During our time together in this course, we will explore some of these creative approaches to promoting regional entrepreneurship. Northeast Ohio has seen a massive infusion of government and donor resources for over ten years. In that time, Northeast Ohio has promoted regional development (including job creation and follow-on funding) through alternative methods of financing startups. It has not been easy. The region has made progress, but it remains to be seen whether it has struck upon an enduring formula. A dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem takes many years, even decades, to develop. Government policymakers and donors typically seek quicker returns on their support programs, which makes long-term support for entrepreneurship challenging. This course includes case studies and first-person testimonials from entrepreneurs who have launched products and services ranging from medical devices to LED lights to whiskey. You will learn how these entrepreneurs discovered and procured resources from various programs and intermediary organizations. You will hear from business people still in the process of developing their companies as well as those whose ventures have flourished. Our focus will extend beyond Cleveland to selected markets around the world, including Greece, Vietnam, Tunisia, Argentina, Rwanda and China. You will learn about international incentives and other supports available to developing startups and small businesses across the globe. This course examines how different communities around the world approach implementing strategies and methods to support businesses. I will ask you to reflect on how to apply the principles we learn to growing entrepreneurship where you live. The social interactive features of the online platform will enable students from around the world to share ideas and learn from one another. Most MOOCs rebroadcast professors’ lectures; this course is different. Don’t expect to see me standing in front of the camera, talking and lecturing every module. Instead, the lectures will be relatively short in length. They have more of the feel of an engaging documentary than a static classroom setting. ## __What type of person takes the *Beyond Silicon Valley* course?__ - Active and aspiring businesspeople in communities looking to initiate new startup ecosystems or bolster existing ones - Current and prospective entrepreneurs who want to learn about funding sources, risk management, and the lifecycle of startups - Professionals who work in government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, philanthropic institutions, and various private funds that fund startups - Anyone curious about how to create and grow startup ecosystems outside the major tech hubs - The principles Beyond Silicon Valley teaches have been drawn from and applied to startups worldwide, from small villages to megalopolises. You'll study success stories spanning the globe from Vietnam to Kosovo to Botswana. ## __What will you learn in *Beyond Silicon Valley*?__ - How and where startups can find funding to get their businesses off the ground - What role government can play in encouraging startups and a healthy startup ecosystem - How anchor institutions such as universities and healthcare systems participate in startup ecosystems - How nongovernmental organizations support startups - How to raise funds from venture capitalists, angel investors, and accelerators - How to navigate challenging periods in the startup lifecycle - The importance of mentoring in successful startups

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The kids who are successful in school are those who remain curious even after the last bell rings, who notice the world around them, and who make connections among subjects and ideas. There are millions of ways to keep minds of all ages active and engaged outside the classroom.

The following article is part of a Noodle series about how to integrate learning into everyday life in order to instill a love of knowledge in your kids.

The Civics Edition

The word “civics" probably calls to mind a dry high school class you’d rather doodle through, but the subject is about understanding one’s role as an American citizen. The following activities are inspiring ways to learn about fairness and equality, no lecture required.

# Read the newspaper.

Beyond using the newspaper to stay informed about current events, you can creatively rely on it to teach your child about being a responsible citizen. Teach your children about the different sections of the paper, and have your children find names that they recognize in each. Cut and paste words from your print newspaper to make stories or signs, or cut out photos and re-caption them. Each day, find a story that piques your child’s curiosity.

# Explore Federal holidays.

Federal holidays can teach a lot about important events in our country’s history. Do a little digging to find out why we get certain days off from school and work. These articles are a great place to start:

6 Facts You Might Not Have Known About the 4th of July

6 Important Facts You Didn’t Know About Flag Day

How to Teach Your Kids About Thanksgiving

# Be a good citizen.

Being a good citizen means demonstrating respect toward others, showing good sportsmanship, and taking responsibility for actions. Talk with your child about rules — whether they apply to your home, school, or playground — and how they help kids be good citizens. What would it be like if kids didn’t follow rules? Have your child brainstorm other ideas about how to be a good citizen.

# Research different forms of government.

How would your household run if everyone got to vote? What if just one person were in charge? What if that one person didn’t even live in the house? Practice voting on questions as a family: What should we have for dinner? What movie should we watch? Your kids will be thrilled to have a say, and they will learn that they can make a difference in the outcome of a decision.

If you need more guidance when it comes to teaching your child about voting, check out Teaching Your Teen About The Elections.

# Talk about rights versus privileges.

What should every human being be allowed? What, on the other hand, is a luxury? You can extend these principles to household rules — what is fair for each kid in the family? Is it different than what is fair for parents? Pass household “laws" together, and write them on a poster board.

# Explore coins.

Notice the mottos, faces, and symbols on each, and then do some research together. Small children can make coin-rubbings by coloring paper over different coins and watching the designs appear. Older children may enjoy collecting coins, including all the state quarters. Find out whose face is on each and why those individuals are important.

# Volunteer in your community.

Find volunteer opportunities here, or have your child pick an organization that she cares about and wants to help. Your child will quickly learn the value of giving back.

# Check out online resources.

Take a look at Ben’s Guide to the U.S. Government for Kids, a site featuring Benjamin Franklin. Geared toward students of all ages, it also includes plenty of games and activities for curious young minds. Older kids may also enjoy the games at iCivics, a site created by Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

Want more ideas about how to cultivate a love of learning in your child? Check out the other parts of this series:

Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The Geography Edition

Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The History Edition

Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The Language Arts Edition

Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The Math Edition

Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The Music Edition

Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The Nutrition Edition

Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The Science Edition

Sneak Learning into Everyday Life: The Visual Art Edition