Thursday, March 28, 2013

I WaNt To VoTe

Can you remember the first time you voted? How did it feel?  Did you feel like your vote could change the world?  Well, if you can answer yes to any of the questions above then come journey with us through our book America Votes, How our President is Elected and take a closer look at some of the important figures in history that helped make voting a vital role in the lives of many Americans.  Before the Civil War, some northern states allowed some free African American men to vote, but the vast majority of voters were white men.  After the war ended the states passed the Fifteenth Amendment which grants rights to all men regardless of race, color and previous condition of servitude.  

 It’s important for children to understand that they have to wait until they are eighteen to vote, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t have fun and experience voting within their classrooms and homes.  Did you know that many states give students under the age of eighteen the chance to cast a ballot, similar to the official one, through the nonpartisan organization Kids Voting USA?  Don’t worry we didn’t know either, but now we do.  Elections aren’t boring and neither is voting.  Voting should be an enjoyable experience for all.  Voicing your opinion for something you believe in should make you feel great.  This book is a good book to introduce to students in Fourth grade using standard SS4G4.b. The student will explain the importance of Americans sharing certain central democratic benefits and principles, both personal and civic.  Explain the necessity obeying reasonable laws/rules voluntarily, and explain why it is important for citizens in a democratic society to participate in public, (civic) life (staying informed, voting, volunteering, and communicating with public officials).   
Your right to vote is protected by the Constitution of the United States – no one can deny you the right to vote because of your race, religious beliefs, or sex.

5 comments:

  1. It would be fun to have a mock election in the class. Students should learn that their opinion matters just as much as any adult. This book is great for meeting the standard. Students need to know that voting is a priviledge that we get to partake in. -Kaitlyn Morefield

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  2. What a great book to use in the classroom around election time! I like that you have included the standards for this book and that it gives great information to the reader.
    Cara

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  3. Love the idea of children experiencing voting early. I think it is important for them to get involved early so they can develop an understanding and appreciation of how it all works. Great job connecting the book to the standard!Elizabeth

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  4. This is a great book to use in the classroom to help students understand how our country elects its leaders. Students would love a mock election and that would give them real insight into how it all really works. This book goes well with the standard you chose. Good job! -Lauryn

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  5. This is a great book to help teach students about how our country elects its leaders. I think that the activity that is a great way for children to have a hands on understanding of how the election process takes place. - Tracy

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