The 2024 election looks to be, interesting. Our kids are going to be talking about it, and even arguing about it, particularly in the upper grades. Our job is to give our students information about what an election is all about, why it is so important, and to help them use critical thinking as they watch what is going on not only on TV, but in their own neighborhoods. I hope the suggestions, links and the freeebie below will help you enrich your students' understanding of our American voting process. Helping our students understand the importance of one vote, is always my goal!
Critical Thinking
Election season is the perfect time to help students use critical thinking skills. Many students believe anything they hear on TV, so now is the perfect time to show them how to delve deeper and look for the truth. This skill can easily be carried over to commericials for food, or commericals for anything. Refusing to believe blindly is a critical skill for young citizens. There are a number of sites whose only mission is to debunk things that are untrue, and often tell when something is partially true and why. They are non-partician (and cover other things besides politics) so you get the real low down. Students can type in their question at the top of most of these sites. Check out snopes , truthorfiction , factcheck.org and politifact
Respecting other's opinions
Discussions about candidates can get out of hand pretty fast. Students bring strong opinions from home. This is the perfect time to discuss how to talk with others when you don't agree with what they are saying. Discussions done in a respectful way can give all concerned new things to think about. Think about giving the following tools to use in classroom discussions, (they will help with a LOT more than just presidential elections).
Discuss with students:
Respect is an attitude. Without respect, it's almost impossible to succeed in life. To get respect, give respect to others.
Being rude or dismissive of other people's opinion will only cause an argument. As Taylor Swift has said, "We don't need to share the same opinions as others, but we need to be respetful."
Respect other people's right to have a different opinion as you do. It would be pretty boring if we all shared the same opinions.
Once someone raises their voice or touches someone else, the discussion is over.
Take turns speaking, and really listen when the other person is talking.
Agree to disagree.
Great Websites
What is a General Election? This is a great video in plain English!
This terrific video is all about our very FIRST election in 1788
From icivics, Filled with great resources for teachers and students
Excellent!!
FREEBIES
Below is a freebie that you might want to use with students. Discussion afterwards is always a great way to bring a lesson to a close. Click on the link below the picture to pick it up in Google Drive.
helping students understand
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