Every citizen needs to know about how our government works! That information needs to start early, and needs to be easy to understand. The one thing you never want to see is one of your past students being interviewed for an "on the street" survey missing an obvious question, like "Who is our Vice President?" Good grief, it's hard to believe how many people miss that one!!! Below are websites, games and videos that can help you with your government unit. By the time you are done, your third through fifth graders will be citizen experts! Let the interview begin!
This site from iCivics is terrific for third through fifth grade students. Games include "Do I Have A Right" about the Bill of Rights, Cast Your Vote, Branches of Power and so much more! If you teach about government there is a game here for your students….terrific for centers!
This is a learning site for the branches of government. Kids see what each branch is responsible for, then try to match the responsibility to the branch. It's almost like a memory game, which is something most kids love.
You can't do better than Ben's Guide! There's three great games here!
This video from BrainPop is great...and free!
This great video is a terrific rap-type song that will really get kids' attention. The lyrics are available by clicking the Interactive Lyrics link at the top of the page.
If you teach government don't miss this site! It has a number of great videos! The one on the three branches is super, super good…cute and catchy. Other videos includes the Balance of Power, Checks and balances, separation of Power, Schoolhouse Rocks' I'm Just a Bill and much, much more!
Oh My! I got a little crazy, but there is so much good stuff out there! I hope this gives you lots to choose from.
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