Your children are probably aware of elections, especially the presidential election every four years. They may enjoy learning more about the campaign, voting, and election processes. Even though they can't vote yet, they can take part in conversations, learn about, and observe the voting process. Let's start with some online resources that offer learning and activities specifically for kids.
Children's Websites About Elections
Children's websites are an easy way to introduce kids to democracy, campaigns, voting, and elections.
Learn about the election process:
- ZOOMout the vote. Elections 101 by kids, for the people. This PBS website discusses why voting matters and how the process works.
- The Democracy Project. A PBS website that asks "How does government affect me?" and invites kids to step inside the voting booth and be president for a day.
- Ben's Guide to U.S. Government has a section on the election process.
- Project VoteSmart has a section on elections, as well as Government 101 for students.
- Congress for Kids has an introduction to elections and election day.
- Try It Tuesday: Elections. A collection of resources from Quick Start Homeschool.
Try out voting activities:
Alex Sharp recommends holding mock elections to promote democratic ideals and instil patriotic duty in students. Several of the websites below also offer online voting for kids.
- Vote online or print a ballot at Gallopade Project: Elections for Kids, plus fun facts, race to the White House, and the candidates.
- Vote online at Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI) the largest student-only mock election in the U.S., using electronic ballots tailored to home legislative districts. Plus learn more about mock elections, get lesson plans, participate in an interactive legislative simulation (E-Congress), and a political campaign simulation (A More Perfect Union). Teachers sign up free.
- Election Day Activities. Worksheets and coloring pages Apples 4 the Teacher.
- Scholastic Election 2012. Follow the presidential race.
- CyberHunt electing the president crossword puzzle.
- VoteIQ. A place for older kids and adults to follow current events "helping you figure out who's telling the truth in politics."
The websites above offer information and activities at a variety of levels. Exploration, observation, and conversation about the election process gives kids the clear message that they will be voters one day. It's never too early to start their civic education.
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Sara McGrath - Sara is a veteran homeschool mom of three, Usborne consultant, and the author of Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning.
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