How to Understand Elections for Kids

Let students have their own election to learn about the process.

Teaching children about elections is an important lesson, commonly taught around the time when the community is gearing up for an election of its own. Using an actual election helps children put the process in context. While older children are generally able to understand the entire election process, from caucuses and primaries to the final elections, younger children often benefit from a simpler explanation focusing on the voting process and end result.

Instructions

1. Read stories about elections. Give students a basic understanding of elections by reading books about the election process. While books such as "Duck for President" by Doreen Cronin and "Vote!" by Eileen Christelow are appropriate for younger students; older students may benefit from more detailed books such as the DK Eyewitness Books' "Vote" or "See How They Run" by Susan E. Goodman.

2. Discuss how the election process works. After you have introduced elections to your class, ask your students to share what they know about the election process. Explain how local and state elections work in your area and talk about the process of a presidential election. Teach students about the requirements to become an elected official in your area and the importance of voting. Explain that elections determine who gets to make important decisions, such as how much money your school gets and if your city gets to build a new park.

3. Teach students about upcoming elections. If an election is occurring in your town fairly soon, talk to your students about who is being elected and the role of the elected officials. Follow the election in your classroom by tracking the election candidates and the number of votes each candidate receives. Consider having students vote for their preferred candidate ahead of the election and then comparing your class results to your community's decision.

4. Hold a class election. Allow students to understand elections through hands-on experience by giving students the class to run a class election. Invite students to run for class president. Have the students who are candidates work on campaign signs and speeches and allow the other students to discuss their candidate options and ask the contenders questions before a vote. Complete primary and run-off elections and count the votes for each candidate. Once your election process is over, review the process with your students.

References

• PBS Kids: Election 101
• "Scholastic": Election Day Lesson Plan