Responsibility (October)

Respect     Responsibility   Empathy
Kindness & Caring     Teamwork    Fairness
Honesty    Co-operation     Integrity      Perseverance

 

Dictionary Definitions

Merriam-Webster Children’s Dictionary

re·spon·si·bil·i·ty  \ri-,span-s?-‘bi’l?-te\  n, pl  re·spon·si·bil·i·ties
1 the quality or state of being in charge of someone or something
2 the quality of being dependable (Show responsibility by always doing your homework.)
3 something or someone for which someone has charge (The children are my responsibility.)

Collins Gage Canadian School (Junior) Dictionary

Grades 4 to 6

re·spon·si·ble (ri spon’s? b?l)  1 adj  obliged to care for: All pupils are responsible for the books given to them.  2 adj deserving credit or blame: Who’s responsible for this mess on the floor?  3 adj trustworthy; reliable: The class chose a responsible person to take care of the money from the bake sale.  pl  re·spon·si·bil·i·ties.
-re·spon’si·bil’i·ty (ri spon’s? bil’? te), n.

Collins Gage Canadian Intermediate Dictionary

Grades 6 to 9

re·spon·si·bil·i·ty  (ri spon’ s? bil’ ? te) n, pl  re-spon-si-bil-i-ties  
1 the act or fact of having a duty to deal with or have control over: A little child does not feel much responsibility.  2 something for which one has a duty to deal with or control: Keeping accounts and preparing reports are her responsibilities.  3 the opportunity or ability to decide and act independently.

Nelson Canadian Dictionary of the English Language

re·spon·si·bil·i·ty (ri-spon’s?-bil ‘ i-te)  n., pl. –ties.  1. The state, quality, or fact of being responsible.  2. Something for which one is responsible; a duty, an obligation, or a burden.

 

What is Responsibility?

● Taking care of yourself and others
● Carrying out a duty or task carefully and thoroughly
● Being accountable for your own behaviour
● Demonstrating self-discipline and a strong work ethic
● Accepting personal accountability
● Acting without continual guidance
● Demonstrating commitment, pride, and a positive attitude in completing tasks
● Contributing to the class, school, and community
● Doing things to build a better world
● Keeping promises
● Doing what you say you will do, even when it is difficult
● Accepting the consequences of your own actions

Quotations

Do good and care not to whom.” (Italian Proverb)
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single minute before starting to improve the world.” (Anne Frank)
We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” (Gandhi)
In the long run, we shape our lives… and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.” (Helen Keller)
Provision for others is the fundamental responsibility of human life.” (Woodrow Wilson)

What might responsibility look like/sound like?

● Completing homework, assignments, and other tasks on time and to the best of your ability
● Cleaning up after yourself and throwing waste into the appropriate garbage, recycling bin, or compost
● Being an active member of a group by contributing to the final project or assignment, and not letting one person do all of the work
● Asking for help when needed, or asking for the instructions to be repeated if clarification is needed
● Being organized by using a planner or agenda to keep track of due dates and deadlines
● Not leaving everything until the last minute
● Working around obstacles that prevent you from reaching a goal
● Taking responsibility for your own actions and not blaming others
● Contributing to making the world a more peaceful, safe, and caring place

Having responsibilities gives us a sense of purpose and makes us feel like we belong. As we fulfill our responsibilities, our self-esteem improves because we feel as though we have accomplished a task and gained new skills. Also, we build trust with those around us because our behaviour demonstrates that we will complete a task when we say we will. Others know that we will do what we commit to with excellence.

 

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