Kindergarten Election Week
The recent election is the buzz on the news, in homes, and around town. Kindergarten teachers decided to do a week long study about the election and what it means to vote. Kindergartners explored election vocabulary and discussed presidents. The first thing they did was register to vote. Once registered, students were able to vote. Students read many books to help them learn about voting. They then voted on their favorite snack and book. Kindergarten teachers taught students about making an informed decision when it is time to vote. Students voted in the "voting booth", placed the ballot in the ballot box, and then the results were counted. There was lots of cheering during the counting of the ballots! Students were excited to end their experience by making an "I voted" sticker!
Mrs. Dickinson's second graders completed Election 2016 put out by Scholastic. When voting for candidates, their election was tied with four write-ins.
Fourth Grade Election Activities
A vote was held in each fourth grade classroom. Each class had a certain number of electoral college votes based on their "population" and then teachers held an "election rally" in the multipurpose room where a representative from each class announced their results.
Fourth grade students then watched "You're Not Elected Charlie Brown" as a grade. Fourth grade students also participated in an additional election held in Mrs. Lampe's 5th grade classroom.
Fifth Grade Election Activities
Fifth grade students participated in a presidential debate and hosted a mock election for students in grades 3-5 on election day.
Middle School Activities
Mr. Jensen held a mock election with his 7th and 8th grade social studies classes on election day. Students spent the last few weeks researching and presenting current issues to help students make their votes. Issues covered and discussed ranged from taxes to Syrian refugees, and many more. Donald Trump won their mock election with 50 cast votes to 34.
In 6th grade social studies classes, students have been watching the CNN Student News for Election 2016 coverage, which has led to numerous class discussions. Mrs. Voster also subscribed to Scholastic's magazine called Election Skills and students have been reading and learning from that magazine twice per week.
Mrs. Voster also encouraged her students to watch the three debates on television, as well as, encouraged discussions between her 6th grade students and their families at home. On Election Day, 6th graders held a mock election where each student was able to vote in private. In addition to marking their choice for President, they were also asked to explain why they were choosing their respective candidate.
Mrs. Voster has been so impressed with the kids' knowledge, enthusiasm, and their interest in the election process and the candidates!
Missouri Valley HS held it's own mock election on Tuesday, November 1. Students were asked to bring one or more canned items and vote for their CANdidate. All canned items were donated to the Harrison County Food Pantry. This event was sponsored by Woodmen Life Chapter 635. This event was organized and facilitated by the Government classes taught by Mr. Barker and Key Club advised by Mrs. Kohl.
