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Teaching 2-3 Year-olds About Elections
Election Day is a US State Holiday observed on several states on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November every even-numbered year. The earliest possible date that Election Day can fall on is November 2nd, and the latest possible date is November 8th.
On Election Day, citizens of the United States of America can vote by popular ballot for candidates for public offices at local, state, and national levels. In even-numbered years, federal elections are held, while in years divisible by four, presidential elections are held. Elections for local and state officials may be held in odd- or even-numbered years, depending on local and state laws.
At Nihao School, we held a special civic lesson for our toddlers and preschoolers to learn about #voting and the #election process. We held an "election" to determine which of the three books is their favorite. Using LEGO blocks, each child places one "vote" on a plate before their favorite book and the group counts the number of "votes" together. In the end, our all-time favorite Llama Llama Red Pajama won the election!
At-home Reinforcement
Sing and march to patriotic songs. Sing to the Wee Sing America tunes.
Set up a ballot box. Place blank rectangle papers and pencils next to the box. Let the children write and vote.
Paint a star. Talk about ways to be a good citizen.
Set up your own election to determine which stuffed animal friend will join your family dinner!
Books to Read
Let's Vote On It! by Children's Press
We Are Citizens by Children's Press
Election Day: Ready to Read Level 1 (Robin Hill School) by Margaret McNamara
V Is for Voting by Kate Farrell
Equality's Call: The Story of Voting Rights in America by Beach Lane Books
I Voted: Making a Choice Makes a Difference by Mark Shulman