Civic Engagement & Civil Discourse
Civic Engagement & Civil Discourse
Creating Future Leaders Begins with Voting
A question that plagues history teachers everywhere is, “How do we get our students to vote and understand the reasons why civic engagement is so important?” This is why we are so excited about the scheduled late start day this Election Day, Tuesday, November 3.
Read moreFor Parents and Caregivers:
How to Talk to Children About Politics (PBS Kids)
How to Talk About the Election With Your Kids (Even if You're Stressed) (New York Times)
17 Tips to Steer Kids of All Ages Through the Political Season (Common Sense Media)
News and Media Literacy Tools (Common Sense Media)
How the Election Can Spark Civic Engagement in Kids (National Geographic)
Wellington Courageous Conversations Parent Session (see video below)
For Families and Kids:
Election Basics: Crash Course Government and Politics (PBS)
Smash Boom Best (podcast)
Interactive Electoral Decoder (PBS)
Book recommendations from Mrs. Dunn (see below)
Picture Books:
This book explains the concept of choosing whether it is a simple choice or a more complicated decision.
"The Night Before Election Day" by Natasha Wing
Yes! It's almost here. And the big question is: Who will be our next president? A young citizen gives her take on politics and Election Day.
"A Vote is a Powerful Thing" by Catherine Stier
Callie learns a lot about voting as her family gets involved in local and national elections and she campaigns to have the local wilderness park chosen for her class field trip.
Middle Grades:
"Act" by Kayla Miller
When a school policy is preventing some students from going on a field trip, Olive decides to act and is prepared to do whatever it takes to be heard.
"The Kid Who Ran for President" by Dan Gutman
Thirteen-year-old Judson Moon becomes president of the U.S.A.
Upper School:
"Running" by Natalia Sylvester
Mari starts to see her father with new eyes as he runs for president. A novel about waking up and standing up, and what happens when you stop seeing your dad as your hero-while the whole country is watching.
"The Voting Booth" by Brandy Colbert
When Marva sees Duke turned away from their polling place, she takes it upon herself to make sure his vote is counted.
Nonfiction:
"One vote, two votes, I vote, you vote" by Bonnie Worth
In simple rhyme, the Cat in the Hat introduces early readers to the concept and practice of voting--with a focus on the American presidency.
"What is a Presidential Election?" by Douglas Yacka
Introduces the reader to United States presidential elections.
"You Call This Democracy?" by Elizabeth Rusch
The author examines some of the more problematic aspects of our government but, more importantly, offers ways for young people to fix them.
Video resources to help get the conversation started
