Political Games for Kids

Teaching your kids political games may encourage them to vote as adults.

Many parents are concerned about raising community-minded, socially active adults as their children grow up. However, it can be difficult to explain politics, even basic political concepts, to young children in a way that they will understand. By introducing your kids to politics through political games, you can help them become politically and socially conscious in a way that may stay with them as they grow up.

Mock Elections

With a group of kids, first explain how elections work. Each person has one vote and can choose only one candidate. If you are working with a class of students, pick several classroom policies that you might consider changing: for example, the bulletin board display or the amount of time you spend on a particular subject per day. Pick two children, one to represent each side of a particular issue, and give them time to prepare arguments. Allow them to present the arguments to the class, and have the class vote based on which argument they find more compelling. Having each child work on an issue is a way to make sure that students get the chance both to argue and to vote.

Tax Games

Introduce children to the idea of taxes by having them work on a fundraising project for the class together --- traditional ideas such as selling wrapping paper or having a bake sale work well for this game. However, instead of making them turn over all of the money at the end of the project, tell them they can keep what they earn, minus an "income tax" that will go to the entire class. For older children, you might use this as an example of sliding tax scales by taking more money from those who earn more (though accepting equal contributions in the end may seem more fair to younger children). Whatever your policies are, set them up in advance.

Playing Politicians

After taking children to see a political or governmental organization --- the Senate or House if you live near Washington, D.C., or a state building in your local area --- have children work in small groups, with each child taking on the roll of a different politician you met or saw in action that day. Work with the groups to make sure they have understood the roles of all people concerned, and then help them put on small sketches illustrating their trip.

Political Parties

Political parties can work well for many different activities --- to make it extremely political, you can call one team "Democrats" and the others "Republicans." However, this can work equally well with teams named after colors or anything else relevant to your class. Games from tag to dodgeball can all take on a political slant by using this party system.

References

• Creating Awareness Among Young Voters: Using the Internet to Teach Kids About Politics