How to teach about the government in an election year?

[Munchkins_mama]

I want to spend September and October teaching about the Election process and get lightly into government, but I'm not sure HOW!!! I have the Road to the White House game and a presidential scrapbook, but I don't know what other materials to use. Any tips or recommendations?

[mandymom]

http://www.icivics.org/ has some great role-playing games for all area of politics/government. It's appropriate for a wide range of grade levels. It also has lesson plans.

[Beth S]

We just do it spontaneously.

 

*Electoral College (and then filling in the outline map on Election Night)==you can look at the 2008 blue/red map as an example & talk about the battleground states (esp. if you are in one)!

*Our local US Representative running for re-election

*I made up a sheet of the 9 current local office holders, so the kids recognize them: US & State Representatives, Mayor, President, Vice President.

*I'd try to go out to an actual political event, even if it is not a candidate you are interested in. Our local library hosted a reception for local candidates & our kids were the only kids there (I was helping host it) . . . but now they recognize the mayor, city commissioners, etc.

 

I guess it depends on how old your children are, but it comes across very easily in our every day conversations about the various candidates. (They overheard a healthy, long discussion/conversation this afternoon between their dad and a friend!) :001_smile:

[Munchkins_mama]

Fabulous! Thank you!

[Tee]

Amanda Bennett has a four week 2012 Election year unit study that looks good.

 

http://www.unitstudy.com/Elections_Study.html

[TechWife]

I've always wanted to go through this book. Maybe you can simplify the activities for your kids?

Is Democracy Fair? The Mathematics of Voting and Apportionment

 

Kids Voting USA has some curriculum materials.

[TechWife]

http://www.icivics.org/

 

I've spent at least an hour on this site tonight. It's great - thanks for the link.

[twinmami01]

Amanda Bennett has a four week 2012 Election year unit study that looks good.

 

http://www.unitstudy.com/Elections_Study.html

 

 

We just downloaded this. I am so excited about starting this unit.

[SunnyDays]

We just do it spontaneously.

 

*Electoral College (and then filling in the outline map on Election Night)==you can look at the 2008 blue/red map as an example & talk about the battleground states (esp. if you are in one)!

*Our local US Representative running for re-election

*I made up a sheet of the 9 current local office holders, so the kids recognize them: US & State Representatives, Mayor, President, Vice President.

*I'd try to go out to an actual political event, even if it is not a candidate you are interested in. Our local library hosted a reception for local candidates & our kids were the only kids there (I was helping host it) . . . but now they recognize the mayor, city commissioners, etc.

 

I guess it depends on how old your children are, but it comes across very easily in our every day conversations about the various candidates. (They overheard a healthy, long discussion/conversation this afternoon between their dad and a friend!) :001_smile:

 

Beth, thanks, these are great ideas!!

 

We also have the "Everything American Government" book, and I'm sure there are similar books you could find at the library.