Teaching civic education with preschoolers: Election November 4

The framework for 21^st century learning vision is for student success in the global economy.  One of the core subject themes is “civic literacy” for preschoolers to gain a higher academic level of comprehending, applying and discussing activities.  According to the 21^st Century Partnership Milestones for Improving Learning and Education (MILE) guides the foundational keys for “civic literacy) are (a) being an informal citizen to participate effectively in government, (b) exercising the rights and obligations of citizenship at local, state, national and global lever, and (c) understanding the local and global implications of civic decisions.  

With the upcoming election (November 4) this is time to write, plan and implement lessons on civic literacy on voting.  Here are some developmentally culturally age appropriate activities for preschool age children.

1.      Research and discuss with children what VOTING is and the responsibility of being civic-minded.

2.      Select local and/or state candidates and tell children age appropriate info to think about who they want to vote for on Tuesday, November 4.

3.      Collect different materials/leaflets on candidates or create own and display throughout the classroom.

4.      Change the housekeeping center into a VOTING precinct so children get a better feel of environment where parents/guardians vote.

5.      On Tuesday, November 4 select children who must locate candidate’s names, give ballot (include photo and name) with pencil to check one VOTING for.

6.      Design box children will put ballot in and “I VOTED” sticker to wear.

7.      After all have voted, graph/chart results for children to see and discuss.

8.      Let children build VOTING precinct with blocks and add other accessories such as tape NC state outline on blocks, candidate’s names in multiple languages, and so forth.

The concept of “civic literacy” can be done throughout the academic school year.  Children can vote on name of classroom pet, favorite items and so forth.  As children start understanding their VOTE counts at preschool age it will be carried into adulthood.