Election information is all over the television, newspapers, and the Internet. It is everywhere you look. Young and older children absorb much of this information. However, this year’s election is under much concern among many people and for many reasons. For this reason, children must learn it’s importance. No matter all the controversy, the process needs teaching.
Educators and an Election
Common Core Standards contain many lessons that align to teach students about the process of the vote. Additionally, these teach civic responsibility. Therefore, students need to learn how to vote and why it is important. They must learn to become informed voters. As Thomas Jefferson stated, “A Democratic system relies on an enlightened citizenry to meet its goals.”
It doesn’t matter whether it is a local, state, or federal election. Elections play an important role in good citizenship. Additionally, there are many ways to teach about elections.
- Students can create fact sheets from various issues.
- Or, They can write short essays or speeches on an issue that is important to them.
- Sticking to an issue rather than a candidate eliminates the controversy of a particular person.
- Parents can conduct a mock lesson for children at home.
- Make a ballot box and create a private area for children to place their ballot.
- Students pretend to become the candidate of their choice and state their platform.
- Plus, the creation of a slogan develops creative thinking.
- Also, students can study a sample absentee ballot and reasons for using one.
These are a few suggestions of what educators do in the classroom for teaching civic responsibility.
Parents and the Election
There are many ways parents can teach about voting that will build a foundation.
- Vote for a dinner choice as an example of modeling the process.
- Read about people that fought for a political purpose.
- Discuss candidates and issues in an unbiased manner.
- Encourage the participation of a school election.
- Stay away from voting apathy.
We need to instill in our young children that we can make a difference. This difference is made at the polls every time we vote.
