Teaching Framework for Elections

Teachers often use elections to help students build civic skills and increase knowledge about the electoral process, democracy, government and the responsibilities of citizenship.

To help educators create a safe place where students can learn about key concepts, exchange ideas and try out opinions and receive feedback without fear or intimidation, Minnesota Civic Youth has put together the following framework to build on the concepts learned during Social Studies to connect and extend the learning into the election season.

GUIDING QUESTIONS
Grades K-3	Grades 4-5	Grades 6-8	Grades 9-12
Are the candidates being good citizens?	What issues do the candidates want to influence?	If the candidate is elected, what will he/she do about _________ as president/governor/senator?	As a person living in the U.S., how can I know what's going on in our government AND how I can influence government?
What are the symbols of the political parties?	What will each candidate do about these issue if elected?	What are the strengths, weaknesses and consequences of this plan?	How do political parties use symbols to connect and communicate with people?
Who wants to be the next president/governor/senator? Why do they want to be elected?	What are the issues the candidates are talking most about?	How do people decide who to vote for?	What are the issues the candidates are talking about?
How do people get elected into office?	What are the candidates' opinions on the issue?	How many times can a person run for president/governor/senator?	Why do candidates talk more about some issues than others?
How can I decide who to vote for?	How do people get elected into office?	Why is it important to vote?	How do candidates use opinion, feelings and facts?
What are the requirements to be president/governor/senator?			How do I evaluate sources? What is a quality source? How do these help me decide who to vote for?
APPROACHES FOR CLASSROOM DISCUSSIONS Accountable Talk Philosophical Chairs
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Helpful Websites Election Day Post-Election Reflection Activities