We have all seen the ads on television, the articles in the papers and on the internet, the yard signs and billboards that line our streets. We know that election time is just around the corner. In fact, many of us are probably so tired of all the rhetoric and mudslinging that we can’t wait for November 4th to come and go! While we may be really tired of the election and all that comes with it, we have a wonderful opportunity as homeschoolers to teach our children first hand how our country works!
As the mother of many children who’s ages span 4 months to 15 years old the election has been a gold mine for lessons. We have been able to take the election process and dissect it. We have taken the issues and discussed them. We have looked at ways our country could improve our current system of voting. We have researched the candidates and found where they stand on the issues and perhaps what brought them to those beliefs. We studied them and compared them to our own beliefs. We will watch with great interest the election results on Tuesday.
One of the wonderful things about using the election in lesson plans is that you can tailor the election to fit any level of understanding:
The littlest children can understand what it means to cast a vote by practicing voting on their own issues like what they will have for lunch or what game they will play and discussing times (like playing a game) where people choose a leader.
Elementary children can understand basic issues and why we vote for certain laws or people. They also can make mock laws (or real household “laws” that they can vote on). Make a voting booth and let them cast their vote on the “issues” or “laws”.
Middle school children can begin learning the structure of our election process and why and how it was started. They also can understand more indepth issues and can render their opinions on them. Arranging a mock voting process is also a wonderful idea. Doing this with a homeschool group would be even better!
High school students can not only understand the issues but can debate their beliefs, choose a candidate based on how well he/she matches their own beliefs as well as learn about the entire voting process and why it is so important to exert your right to vote.
It’s not too late to start if you haven’t talked about the elections/election process with your children yet! This time of year gives us an excellent opportunity to not only talk about how our country’s voting system works but it provides us a perfect time to discuss why we (the parents) choose to vote in a certain manner.
As parents we are always looking for times where we can impart our values and beliefs to our children. This November 4th provides us with that perfect opportunity to do just that. So take your child by the hand and lead him to the voting booth where he can see you stand up for your rights and have your voice heard!
When Michelle isn’t preparing to vote you can find her writing about her life’s ups and downs over at Pass The Flu Bug Please.
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I had a GREAT conversation with my 2nd grader the day I voted…we had talked a good deal prior to me going…but that day was really a great time of sharing!