Future Voter! Lesson Plan

Academic Standards

 

Reading Objective:

Children will identify the characteristics of good citizens and voters.

 

Social Studies Focus:

Voting and citizenship

 

CCSS:

SL.1.2 Discuss a video; L.1.4 Clarify words and phrases; RI.1.1 Key details; RI.1.5 Text features; RF.1.3 Decode words; RI.1.10 Read and discuss first-grade texts, L.1.1 Conventions of English when writing

  • Watch the video "Time to Vote!"
  • Afterward, ask kids if they are looking forward to being able to vote when they grow up. What will be most exciting about voting for president? (SKILL: SL.1.2 Discuss a video)
  • Play the vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured words are practice, candidates, and decide. (SKILL: L.1.4 Clarify words and phrases)
  • Read the issue together.
  • Then project and discuss the reading checkpoint skill sheet. Later, children can fill in their own copies. (SKILL: RI.1.1 Key details)

With this game, kids can design and print their own campaign posters. For more poster fun, see the Hands-On Activity. (SKILL: RI.1.5 Text features)

  • With this skill sheet, kids practice sight words to reveal a patriotic picture. (SKILL: RF.1.3 Decode words)
  • Add fun to a class voting project with these templates, including “I Voted!” buttons, ballots, and a ballot box label.
Example of a completed poster

Objective: Children will pretend to run for president and make their own campaign poster.

Materials: paper or card stock, markers or crayons

  • Tell kids that candidates for president create ads to try to get people to vote for them. Ask, “Why would you make a good president?” Ideas might include I work hard, I am fair, and I help people.
  • Now make a poster! Encourage kids to include a self portrait, their name, and the reason people should vote for them. Kids can also add patriotic decorations, such as stars, flags, and so on.
  • Be sure to check out the digital version of this activity with our online game. (SKILL: L.1.1 Conventions of English when writing)