- Definition
Human rights are the basic rules that say everyone deserves to be treated fairly and with respect, no matter who they are or where they come from. They ensure everyone has the same chances and is protected from unfair treatment.
The right to education means every child, regardless of their family's money or where they live, should be able to go to school.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Human rights are like the basic rules of the playground that apply to everyone, ensuring everyone gets a fair turn and is treated with respect.
Ask your child: What's one rule that helps everyone in our home feel respected?
Common mix-up: Kids may think rights are privileges you earn, like getting an allowance. Human rights are different; they are basic protections everyone has simply because they are human.
Examples
- The right to be safe means no one should be harmed, whether at school, at home, or in the community.
- The right to express your own ideas and opinions respectfully, even if others disagree.
- The right to be treated equally and not be excluded from a team or a group because of your background.
human rights is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
