Election season is upon us once again in the Unites States of America. It is important that we teach our children to be responsible citizens. Being a responsible citizen in the US includes understanding the way our political system functions and participating by voting on future leaders at the local level, state level, and federal level. We have a free election printable here that will help you do just this and facilitate a mock election with your family or homeschool co-op.
Hold a Mock Election
Most kids learn best by doing. I know I do! Hold a mock election with some family members, friends, or even your co-op. This is a great way to get some hands-on experience with the election process. It would be possible to even name your candidates among your group if it is large enough. Consider holding a mock debate and then allow others in attendance to vote on their favorite candidate.
If you are teaching about the presidential election you will need to explain the electoral college. Most remember School House Rocks! teaching videos. I still use these to teach my kids about the democratic republic of the Unites States of America.
More Activities that Teach
In addition to holding your mock election, consider taking a trip to your local library to read up on our country’s election process, as well as sourcing material on those running in your next election. Go over the information for each candidate with your child and let your child form an opinion on what he or she does understand from that material. This kind of mental exercise will bring up good discussions for your family to tackle together.
If you are looking to add an American Government curriculum to your homeschool this year, Homeschool Planet provides these options:
- Thinkwell: AP American Government (Both Curriculum and Lesson Plans)
- BJU Press: American Government (Lesson Plans)
- Bluestocking Press: Uncle Eric Series (Lesson Plans)
- Masterbooks My Story 1 and 2 (Includes Lesson Plans – This is for Younger Kids)
FREE Election Printable Pack
You can use Homeschool Planet’s FREE printable available for download below to enhance your mock election process! Teach your kids about what an election is and how it works with this fun printable pack. There are mock election sheets to host your own election with your family or homeschool group. There are election ballets and voter registration play cards to fill out, as well as notebooking pages. This election themed activity pack is a valuable resource that will make learning about the election process in the United States both fun and memorable.
