#  >> K-12 >> K-12 Basics

How to Teach Children About Voting

While voting is an important aspect of responsible adulthood in a democratic country, children are never too young to learn the concept of civil duty. Children easily grasp the importance of hearing and respecting everyone's opinion. They naturally have a sense of justice and usually enjoy learning about the voting process. Increase your children's understanding by allowing them opportunities to vote. Finish your lesson with a mock election that will help children remember the voting process for years to come.

Things You'll Need

  • Voter registration form
  • 2 snacks
  • Paper
  • Box
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Explain to children why voting is important. Tell them that voting allows everyone to voice his opinion on public policy, laws and politicians. Voting protects the freedoms of the country's citizens. People are able to choose the leaders who govern them. Offer the children two different choices for a snack and allow them to vote for one of them.

    • 2

      Watch the campaign speeches and ads of two politicians. Ask the children to interpret the messages of each campaigner. Talk about the issues each politician discusses.

    • 3

      Show the children a voter registration form. Find the form at your local Department of Motor Vehicles, government economic assistance offices, military recruitment offices and government offices providing services for the disabled. Explain the requirements for voter registration vary between states, but all voters must be 18 years old and most states require some form of identification.

    • 4

      Stage a simulated election between the two candidates whose ads and speeches you watched. Have the children write the name of their preferred candidate on a small piece of paper and place their vote in a box. Count the votes and announce the winner. Celebrate with a party to encourage children to vote as adults.

Learnify Hub © www.0685.com All Rights Reserved