Active and informed citizenship begins in the elementary classroom, and multiple resources exist to assist elementary and middle school teachers. The links below are not a complete list, but rather a starting point for teachers researching lesson plans and materials for their students. It is suggested that prior to any instruction about government, candidates, or the issues, teachers help students identify American ideals based on our nation’s founding documents and symbols. Adherence to these ideals can help establish a civil climate for any subsequent class discussions.
- PBS Learning Media: The Election Collection offers resources aimed mostly at grades 7-12, but some lessons are for students as young as grade 4. For very young students, PBS Kids has Peg and Cat try to solve The Election Problem.
- Ben’s Guide to Government
- PBS Kids:
- Center for Civic Education:
- Voting Lessons for elementary, middle and high school students.
- “How We Should Choose People for Positions of Authority.” Adapted for upper elementary and middle school.
- Citizens, not Spectators, available for elementary and middle school.
- BrainPop Election Resources
- Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History:
- Teachers will have to sign up for a free account before they can access any of the lessons
- American Symbols – Helping Students Identify American Ideals.
- The Electoral College, Grades 4-6 and Grades 7-9