This week, election posters were plastered all over my doors and walls. Videos were approved, candy was offered as bribes, and arguments about the best president ensued. As you can guess, my school just held elections for the Student Leadership Team next year.
At the end of a very LONG day yesterday, I had my kids seated on the carpet. We discussed our day and the upcoming election. One of my precious girls raised her hand and said, "Mrs. O, there is no way the third grade election will be fair. There are SO many more boys than there are girls!" (I have 15 boys and 7 girls in my class alone.)
With all the end of the year chaos, this election was one of the last things on my mind. But that statement gave me pause.(And yes, it made me cringe.) I went home wondering how to help my students see past the "cool" factor and voting based on friendships.
So, if you know me at all, I immediately went through my classroom library looking for a gem. I came across one of my favorite books "Duck for President". In this hilarious picture book, Duck decides to run for a series of positions. He wins his elections based on novelty and popularity. But when the going gets tough in each position, Duck looks for greener pastures. Doesn't that sound like a typical school election? After reading the book, I knew I could lead a discussion about Duck's character traits. One bad role model, check!
Now, I needed a character who would teach my students about persevering, overlooking stereotypes, and good old fashion hard work. After scouring the internet, i found, "Grace for President" This amazing picture book definitely got my vote.
This book dealt with a determined little girl who wants to be the first female president. Her only problem, she has to win her school election first. :) Grace finds out that she is running against a boy who is good at everything (or so it seems). Grace works hard to persuade her peers. She listens, shows compassion, and volunteers her time. During the discussion about Grace's character traits, my kids couldn't give enough positive character traits. I finally had to cut them off.
We held a mini election between these two characters. Guess who won? Duck! Are you surprised? I can't say I was. I'd prepared several scenarios for Duck to "solve".
Scenario # 1
The teachers decide that there will be no more games on your ipads. What do you think Duck will do?
Scenario #2
Your principal decides there will be no more P.E. What would Duck do?
Scenario # 3
Our students decide that they want to have a field trip. They would like for the student leadership team to help the teachers plan it. What do you think Duck will do?
I let them talk it out in groups. Some of my boys tried to be difficult but they very quickly came around to the fact that although he was fun and "cool", Duck was a real "Quacker". (Their words not mine!)
My kids came to the conclusion that they wanted someone who cared about them. Someone who would listen to them AND take action. Someone a lot like Grace. When it finally came time to watch the campaign videos, they evaluated the promises the candidates were making. Our board was covered with names and promises. Several of my students even called some of the candidates "Quackers".
Overall, I am proud of how my students voted today. Did they all thoughtfully vote? No. I'm not a miracle worker. :) But did they look past the "cool factor" and friendship? I think so.
At the end of a very LONG day yesterday, I had my kids seated on the carpet. We discussed our day and the upcoming election. One of my precious girls raised her hand and said, "Mrs. O, there is no way the third grade election will be fair. There are SO many more boys than there are girls!" (I have 15 boys and 7 girls in my class alone.)
With all the end of the year chaos, this election was one of the last things on my mind. But that statement gave me pause.(And yes, it made me cringe.) I went home wondering how to help my students see past the "cool" factor and voting based on friendships.
So, if you know me at all, I immediately went through my classroom library looking for a gem. I came across one of my favorite books "Duck for President". In this hilarious picture book, Duck decides to run for a series of positions. He wins his elections based on novelty and popularity. But when the going gets tough in each position, Duck looks for greener pastures. Doesn't that sound like a typical school election? After reading the book, I knew I could lead a discussion about Duck's character traits. One bad role model, check!
Now, I needed a character who would teach my students about persevering, overlooking stereotypes, and good old fashion hard work. After scouring the internet, i found, "Grace for President" This amazing picture book definitely got my vote.
This book dealt with a determined little girl who wants to be the first female president. Her only problem, she has to win her school election first. :) Grace finds out that she is running against a boy who is good at everything (or so it seems). Grace works hard to persuade her peers. She listens, shows compassion, and volunteers her time. During the discussion about Grace's character traits, my kids couldn't give enough positive character traits. I finally had to cut them off.
We held a mini election between these two characters. Guess who won? Duck! Are you surprised? I can't say I was. I'd prepared several scenarios for Duck to "solve".
Scenario # 1
The teachers decide that there will be no more games on your ipads. What do you think Duck will do?
Scenario #2
Your principal decides there will be no more P.E. What would Duck do?
Scenario # 3
Our students decide that they want to have a field trip. They would like for the student leadership team to help the teachers plan it. What do you think Duck will do?
I let them talk it out in groups. Some of my boys tried to be difficult but they very quickly came around to the fact that although he was fun and "cool", Duck was a real "Quacker". (Their words not mine!)
My kids came to the conclusion that they wanted someone who cared about them. Someone who would listen to them AND take action. Someone a lot like Grace. When it finally came time to watch the campaign videos, they evaluated the promises the candidates were making. Our board was covered with names and promises. Several of my students even called some of the candidates "Quackers".
Overall, I am proud of how my students voted today. Did they all thoughtfully vote? No. I'm not a miracle worker. :) But did they look past the "cool factor" and friendship? I think so.