Teaching About the Election to Elementary Students Using Literature and Technology

Teaching about the election can be an interestinghe or she would do if they were to win. We finish
process. Of course the best way is to hold a mockreading the book and then discuss ways that students
election, or even better, a school election with childrencan improve the school.
running for various offices. As with all curricular areas,The second graders make campaign posters just like
experiencing the learning by participation cements thethe younger students but they add four ways they
concepts.can make the school/world a better place. Examples
Other ideas for teaching about the election include:might be: Eliminate bullies from the playground, Pick up
For Kindergarten and Grade 1Litter on the Playground, Be Nice to All People, Help
Read a book about an election and discuss theRaise Money for New Library Books, etc.
elements of election. Books I choose to use are "DuckIn Grades 3 through 5
for President" by Doreen Cronin and Betsy LewinAs the children get older I begin to teach about the
(2004) and "My Teacher for President" by Kayelectoral college. The best book I've found for this is
Winters and Denise Brunkus (2008.)"Grace for President" by Kelly Dipucchio and Leuyen
After discussing the election process we makePham (2008.) After reading this story I send the
campaign posters. Students use a drawing program onstudents to explore an online simulation game at the
the computer (I use KidPix) and type "Vote forScholastic News website.
______" in huge letters. They add decorations toGrade 6: By the time students are in grade 6 they are
complete the poster. We print in color and staple toready to explore the issues of the candidates. To do
construction paper. Hanging this campaign poster onthis I ask the students to choose six issues to
their bedroom doors will remind them of what theyresearch on the websites of the candidates. The
learned about the election.information that they gather can be presented in any
For Grades 2 and 3manner; for instance, a 2-column display comparing the
I read an election book such as "Pete for President" byissues or using an organizing software such as
Daisy Alberto (2004). We discuss election proceduresInspiration to create a web of information.
but also emphasize telling the truth during the electionOverall, the more concrete examples you can give to
process. During the story there is a page where therestudents about the election will assist them in learning
is a debate. I stop the story, have two kids join me upabout the process that we embrace within our
front, and simulate a debate. Sometimes I even tell onecountry.
of the students to make outlandish claims about what