Picture books are sometimes overlooked for their perceived simplicity when their illustrations can actually create a story that rivals some of the greatest literary works of all time.  Using picture books for older students is a great way to tap into some new resources that appeal to all children.  A group of bloggers comprised mostly
continue reading

There are many different ways to look at the underground railroad and the importance it played in our country’s history.  Rooted in the shame of slavery, it is a shining example of how people can come together to help one another.  With Black History Month starting on February 1st, talking about the Underground Railroad with
continue reading

by Barbara Gruener, Monthly Columnist It’s Election time again, the perfect opportunity to celebrate patriotism by exercising our civic right to vote and teaching our young citizens to do the same. Maybe you’ve already made your way to the polls to take advantage of early voting. It was extra special for our family because our
continue reading

Idea by Christy, Pre-K-12th Grade Tutor, Ashland, WI To help students remember the names of all the US Presidents, I use the method that my mother, a former 5th grade teacher, used with me many years ago.

Idea by Kristy, Pre-K-Kdg. Teacher, Hummelstown, PA I love teaching my 4-5 year-old students about Election Day.  After reading, Duck for President by Doreen Cronin (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2004), I ask for volunteer candidates willing to make a speech in their bid for office. (The speech requirement automatically reduces the number of students
continue reading

Idea by Ronni, Kdg. Teacher, Surprise, AZ To help older students identify and research the three branches of government— the Executive Branch, (the President and about 5,000,000 workers), the Legislative Branch (the Senate and House of Representatives), and the Judicial Branch (the Supreme Court and lower Courts)—have them each draw three overlapping circles (pretzel style) on
continue reading

Idea by Judy, 1st Grade Teacher, Huntsville, AL To begin our election studies, I have my children bring in articles about the candidates running for office.  We then list some of their political views on a T chart. I then introduce the terms political party, liberal and conservative and what they mean.

Idea by Carrie, Kdg. /T-1 Teacher, Vancouver, WA To help students comprehend the details of the presidential election, I read aloud the book, Duck for President by Doreen Cronin (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2004).  We then hold a classroom election to determine which barnyard animal from the story should be president.

Idea by Amanda, Kdg. Teacher, Kinsman, OH I read my kindergarten students the book, My Teacher for President by Kay Winters (Perfection Learning, 2008).  We then talk about the election process, learn a bit about each candidate, and discuss the process of voting and secret ballots. We learn that voting is our chance to say
continue reading

Idea by Cheryl, Kdg. Teacher, El Campo, TX To acquaint our young students with the Presidential Election, we begin by discussing what is meant by an election. We read lots of election-inspired books, such as Duck for President by Doreen Cronin (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2004), and give examples of other types of elections.