How to Teach About Elections to Third Graders
Teaching third graders about elections is best accomplished through lessons that explain important terms, hands-on and interactive activities, and a simple presentation of facts. In order to fully understand how an election works, third graders must understand how the candidates are chosen, who is allowed to vote, when and where voting takes place, and how votes are counted. Teaching third graders about elections while following actual election coverage will help students form connections between what they are learning and current events.
Instructions
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Discuss and define unknown terms and phrases with your third graders. Include terms and phrases such as Republican Party, Democratic Party, office, candidate, running for office, voter registration and campaign. Students can use dictionaries to define words, or can work in groups to discuss possible meanings and then confirm correct meanings in a teacher-led discussion.
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Explain to your third graders what candidates do while running for office. To help students better understand the process of running for office, you may want to stage a debate over an important issue, having students take sides and form arguments. You could also have students write and give speeches, just as someone running for office would.
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Present the differences between the political parties. Have the students make a chart comparing the differences between the parties.
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Explain the process of voting and voter registration to your third graders. Have each student fill out a voter registartion card, and explain how each voter is assigned a polling location where she goes to vote.
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Hold a mock election within your classroom. Have students run for offices, make campaign posters and give speeches telling their classmates how they will be a good leader.
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Have students vote, then count the votes and declare a winner. Point out that after an election, the winner usually has to wait to take office until the prior leader's term is over.
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Add an explanation of the Electoral College and the primary elections for students who need more of a challenge. Have students research how many electoral votes each state gets.
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Stage an inauguration. Have the students swear in their elected leader, and then have a parade and a celebration.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit US Flag image by dwight9592 from Fotolia.com
