Votes Are Our Voices for the Future
What does it mean to vote and why is it important? Learn all about it in this Exploration Guide for students in Grades 3-5.
-
If I Ran For President Read-Aloud | Storyline Online
What does it take to run for president? Join three famous young actors as they read and discuss the book “If I Ran For President”. Vote Challenge: What do you think would be the most difficult part of the job of being president?
View If I Ran For President Read-Aloud | Storyline Online -
Vote for Our Future!
Ever thought, “Well I’m a kid, how can I make a difference?” We all have voices and ideas to share; that is why no matter how young or old, we can influence the world around us. Enjoy reading this book, "Vote for Our Future!" and discover how every vote and voice matters. This excellent story is current, real, and talks about why people want to, and sometimes do not want, to vote. Vote Challenge: What is one way the students help adults to vote in this book?
Format: eBook
View Vote for Our Future! -
You Choose: Presley Talks About Voting | PBS KIDS
Want to hear it straight from another kid who actually understands how we vote? We cast votes all the time! Who wants pizza or chicken tonight? Who loves kittens or puppies? Where should we go, the park or the playground? Presley explains it all! Vote Challenge: Create your own election! What is a decision that can be made in your family by popular vote? Maybe don't ask for a pet on this one, though...
View You Choose: Presley Talks About Voting | PBS KIDS -
Suffrage | Britannica Library for Children
The right to vote is also called suffrage. Suffrage is the way that a democracy makes sure that it is following the wishes of the people. Voting has not always been a right for every US citizen, and people continue to face barriers in voting even today.
View Suffrage | Britannica Library for Children -
Eight Women's Voting History Stories You May Not Know | Because of Her Story, Smithsonian
For most of US history, women have not been able to vote. Watch these short videos about the difficult journey that women, especially women of color, have faced to get the vote. Vote challenge: What is a suffragette?
View Eight Women's Voting History Stories You May Not Know | Because of Her Story, Smithsonian -
Having the Talk | Teaching Tolerance
Does voting matter in your family? People have many reasons for voting or not voting, even if they have the right to vote and aren't being prevented from voting in some way. Join Jeremiah as he discovers his family’s relationship with voting. Vote Challenge: Ask a family member if they vote and why they do or don’t.
View Having the Talk | Teaching Tolerance -
But Why: Who Makes Laws | Vermont Public Radio Podcast
Who’s in charge of our country? What makes it a democracy? Even adults have many questions about the way our government works! Tune into this kid-friendly podcast to learn about our government and voting.
View But Why: Who Makes Laws | Vermont Public Radio Podcast -
Should the Voting Age Be Lowered? | Time for Kids
Speaking of looking at both sides of an issue, read two perspectives from these young authors as they debate whether the voting age should be lowered in the US. Vote Challenge: What do you think about their arguments?
View Should the Voting Age Be Lowered? | Time for Kids -
Presidential Minute One | Schoolhouse Rock!
A lot of kids in the 1970’s and ‘80’s watched Schoohouse Rock! as a way to learn about history, grammar, and government. Check out this fun, short video about voting for president. Vote Challenge: Ask if anyone in your family remembers Schoolhouse Rock!
View Presidential Minute One | Schoolhouse Rock! -
America 101: What is a Stump Speech? | History
Politicians who are running for office make "stump speeches" before an election in order to help people understand what they believe in and what a vote for them would mean. Vote Challenge: How do you feel when you hear a powerful speech?
View America 101: What is a Stump Speech? | History