Voting Activities for Fourth Grade
In a democratic society, voting is a vital part of an adult's civic duty. Participating in the election process gives the citizens a voice and compels the leadership of the country to actually listen to the public. Learning about the purpose and process of voting is a valuable lesson for all elementary-age students, including fourth graders.
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Mock Elections
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Holding a mock election in your fourth grade classroom is a great approach to getting your students interested in learning more about voting. Plan a mock election where students run for an actual office, like the presidency or the senate. Alternatively, create "offices" for which some of your students run. The rest of your students cast votes.
Voting Art Projects
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An art project with a voting theme is another way to engage each student in your fourth grade classroom in learning more about how the process of voting has a direct affect on his life and the lives of his family and friends. Students create a mural of people voting, which is then hung on a wall in your social studies classroom.
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Official Speaker
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Enlist a candidate or other local official to speak to your fourth grade class about why voting is so important in a democratic society. Ask the candidate to talk to the students about what a candidate does to convince voters that he is the better choice. A local voting official or election judge can bring in samples of actual ballots and voter registration forms. A presentation that includes a discussion on political parties is also be helpful.
Voting Essay or Reports
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Assign students the task of writing an essay on why voting is important and how the people who get elected have an impact on those that live in the area or nation. Similarly, give a project of a book report on a topic that relates to voting, such as the voting rights act, or the different groups that gained the right to vote in the United States through marching and other demonstrations.
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