Voting Lesson

Students learn the voting process by voting for a class snack and class leaders.  Fun activity for a range of ages.

 

State Standard:  Social Studies 2.4.02 c. Identify ways that public officials are selected, including election and appointment, Reading 2.1.02 e. Follow oral directions, Math 2.1.3 d. Add and subtract efficiently and accurately with single-digit numbers, Art 1.1 Consistently use tools and materials in a safe and responsible manner

TLW create voting tools, safely and responsibly using a variety of art materials, vote for a class snack and leaders, and accurately determine the results of the votes.

  TTW read Duck for President by Doreen Cronin which describes a duck's attempt to run for different offices after he gets tired of doing chores on the farm.

4. Instructional Procedures: TTW address the need for a class snack and assign groups to prepare for a vote.  Group 1 will create a ballot box, prepare instructions for voting and create ballots for each student in the class.  The ballots must include all three choices provided (fresh fruit, chocolate chip cookies, and reduced-fat chocolate chip granola bars).  Group 2 will create a campaign poster promoting fresh fruit as the class snack.  Group 3 will create a poster promoting chocolate chip cookies as the class snack.  Group 4 will create a poster promoting reduced-fat chocolate chip granola bars as the class snack.  After all groups have completed their assignments, Groups 2, 3, and 4 will present their posters to the class along with 2-3 reasons for choosing their snack.  Group 1 will pass out ballots to each student, ensuring that each student receives only one ballot and will give voting instructions and set up ballot box for voting.  Each student will mark his or her choice on the ballot and place it in the ballot box according to group one's instructions.  Students will be instructed to remain silent during this process-no discussion will be allowed.  After voting is completed, TTW read votes aloud and place marks on board.  Students will then complete voting results handout. The teacher and students will discuss the results of the vote and announce the winner of the class snack. 

5. Lesson Closure:  TTW discuss class votes

                        TTW review voting process

 

6. Independent Practice: TTW state the need for class leaders.  Each student will be given a sheet of paper where they will be instructed to nominate one person for class President and one person for Vice-President.  Students will not be allowed to nominate themselves.  After nominations are counted, the 2 students with the highest number of nominations for President and the 2 students with the highest number of nominations for Vice-President will have a "run-off."  Each of the 4 students will have three minutes to write down 3-4 reasons why they think they would be the best person for the job.  Each will present his or her reasoning and the class will vote.  TTW assign students to count the votes and the new leaders will be presented to the class as the class President and Vice-President.

• Duck For President by Doreen Cronin
• poster board or butcher paper
• a variety of art supplies (markers, crayons, rulers, scissors, stickers, etc.)
• shoe box for ballot box
• paper to create ballots

Rubric--teacher will follow rubric to assess student learning.  A specific rubric is attached to this lesson showing specific guidelines.

Teacher observes student responses