The fourth grade at my school decided to take this special opportunity of a presidential election to spend an entire day devoted to learning about anything and everything related to the election. Each fourth grade teacher (there are four) would have their own station. Each class got 45 minutes at a station with that specific teacher. We spent the ENTIRE DAY doing election activities!
I thought it would be beneficial to have each station focus somewhat on a type of skill, so here's what we decided on:
(1) Arts & Crafts - Kids created a woven American flag out of red-white-blue construction paper. They also decorated their very own star with all kinds of fun crafts. These stars will be strung together and hung in our hallway to show they are the "United Students of Morgan". I'll post a photo once it's done!
(2) SmartBoard - They learned about the president's job, life, and responsibilities. They engaged in a fun interactive SmartBoard presentation that was interesting and very informative. Then, they were able to make their own presidential poster, encouraging others to vote for THEM for president! The posters were too cute and really creative. The students got really into it and meant business!
(3) Electoral College and Political Parties - This was an awesome opportunity to teach students about the electoral college. I remember learning about it myself much later in school - late middle school or later. They followed a PowerPoint presentation and completed some really fun graphic organizers that allowed students to color in states red/blue based on the information given about electoral votes. Students got the opportunity first-hand to see how electoral votes can impact an election. Students also learned about Democrats and Republicans, which tied well into the electoral college. They learned about general ideas that each party supports as well.
(4) iPad Research - Our school has one complete class set of iPads. This was right up my alley (although it wasn't my station) because I taught in a paperless classroom last semester that ONLY used iPads and NO PAPER. Students got an opportunity to use the iPads to research a president (that they picked out of a hat). They really enjoyed it and got to spend free time - if they finished early - playing an app called "Stack the States." If only we had iPads for our whole school.....!
(5) VOTING! - I think this was the favorite station. Several members of the fourth grade team slaved away in making this SPECTACULAR voting booth (if I do say so myself :] ). We painted each side a different color - red, white, or blue - and had one side say "Obama" and the other "Romney". As you can see, there was even an official ballot (similar to real ballots with the unfinished black arrows) that they used with a black marker in the voting booth. Then, students deposited their ballot in a box and it was counted. But BEFORE they could vote, we had them register and create a voter ID, complete with an actual photo of themselves! It was a great learning experience for them, and they were all really excited about it. The students engaged in constructive conversations about who to vote for, as well! As it turns out, the fourth grade elected President Barack Obama for a second term by a landslide.
Ultimately, the day was a success. It was a bit hectic, but totally worth it. It was a fun-filled day of great learning experiences, and an exciting break from the usual schedule. I think I've had my fill of arts and crafts for a while, though. I couldn't help getting into the patriotic spirit today and dressed head-to-toe in red, white, and blue (including my socks and lanyard!). I'm not one for politics, but I can't pass up an opportunity to deck out! Hope you had a fun election day!
Emily :)
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