Election day in America is a major day for the country. During presidential years, voter turnout seems to preoccupy minds.
Children will begin to notice the changes around their community. They will see parents watching debates, signs going up around town and flags being displayed proudly.
As teachers, it is important to expose preschoolers to the election process. Many schools and churches are actually polling places so the kids can see first hand what an election entails.
Here are a few activities to expose preschoolers to the election process as well as ignite some patriotic passion during this time.
Have your own election
Let the kids vote on serious issues such as which jello tastes better-red or yellow, favorite milk, etc. Set up a ballot box or booth inside your classroom as one of your centers. Let the kids taste chocolate and strawberry milk or vote for their favorite t.v. character. Get creative. Then let them cast their own vote by drawing a picture, coloring the ballots, or placing stickers.
Share an election book
There are several stories available for preschool kids that talk about elections. Otto Runs For President by Rosemary Wells is a great classic. There is also Clifford for President by Norman Bridwell. These are great books on their level that will explain the election process on their level.
Art Time
Art is a simple center to plan during election time. It is the place where you can use all those patriotic crafts you have done over the years. You can make Uncle Sam hats. Make a flag by allowing the kids to walk across to make stripes with their feet. Let them walk through red paint. Then use their hands to make prints for the stars. The finished project should be a large class flag. You can also take straws and allow the kids to tape streamers to them and have a parade.
Music
Here are a few songs to share with your class. The Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America are songs that are important to expose your kids to as preschoolers. It is also a good time to teach them the Pledge of Allegiance. A great song to teach them at this time is Down At The Flagpole. Sung to: "Down By the Station"
Down at the flagpole,
Early in the morning,
We will raise our flag,
The red, white, and blue.
We stand at attention,
It's something that we do.
We salute the colors,
The red, white, and blue.
Another song is Sung to: "Mary had a little lamb"
Our flag is red, white, & blue
red, white & blue
red, white & blue
Our flag is red, white, & blue
in the U.S.A.
Our flag has 50 stars,
50 stars, 50 stars,
Our flag has 50 stars,
in the U.S.A.
Our flag has 13 stripes,
13 stripes, 13 stripes,
Our flag has 13 stripes,
in the U.S.A.
Social Studies Center
Preschoolers are smart individuals. Print out pictures of the White House and the current president. Teach them the significance of these pictures. Tell them where the president lives and how he makes the rules for the country. You will be surprised how much they soak in at this young age.
Math center
Explain to the kids how many presidents are pictured on our money. Show them real money. Allow them to count pennies or sort coins as a math center.
Snack
Have an American snack. Make hot dogs. Allow the kids to make individual apple pies. They will love cooking their own food. Let them decorate cupcakes in red, white and blue icing. Get creative and let them get messy.
These are just a few suggestions to bring the election into the classroom. If you are a polling place, talk to those in charge about allowing the kids to tour during a non-busy time. Feel free to leave any other suggestions in the comment section.
