I'm sure you all have an idea for your school regarding the elections. This is from Andrea Chapman at Fox Hollow and has a twist that will get the students to judge a book by its content, not the cover.For younger grades (K-2)
I tell the kids that an important event is coming for The USA. We talk
about what it is to vote (for younger kids, to make a choice between a
few options). I tell them that this year it is for the President and
also local leaders. I tell them that in USA we are lucky that we get to
have a choice. I tell them how you vote...you go to a designated place
from where you live, kind of like since you live here you go to this
school. Then how the booth is set up and how it is done.
Then...WE HAVE A VOTE! I had them close their eyes and put down their heads and vote between 2 books.
I explain that every vote counts and can be private. After, if some of the kids are disappointed, I explain that even if you didn't get the result you wanted it was still good to make a choice. The books were "Big Pumpkin" and the other was "Wolf's Coming".
Wolf's Coming by Joe Kulka was perfect for Halloween but also helped me explain that you can't judge a book by its cover! I told them to choose a book to check out that the cover didn't interest
them but the insides did!
For grades 3-6
I start by asking the kids what important event for the USA was coming up. Some said Halloween...:)
When they finally say the elections, we talk about it for a few minutes. Same as above but they ask more questions, so its fun to have that dialog with them.
With older grades, its fun to have a ballot that they fill out (for next weeks book) and have the teacher tally them during that library time.
For our VOTE I had the kids decide if THEY wanted a chance to read the book or if they wanted ME to read the book. After the story was over and they were surprised by the ending, I told
them you can't judge a book by its cover and related that to candidates for office. (doing research on candidates)
One child asked "WHO ARE YOU VOTING FOR?" and another yelled out "THAT'S PERSONAL DUDE!" So, for the rest of the week if anyone asked, I responded "that's personal, dude!"
It was really fun and the kids really got into it. Most kids knew who was running for President and were pretty informed (in upper grades).
4 comments:
I was very pleased to see that my book was selected as one of the choices in your election. I'll unashamedly stump for votes by promising extra recess time for kids that vote for my book.
Then again, maybe it's too early to disillusion them with campaign promises that can't be fulfilled.
I do appreciate you including my book. Thank you!
Joe Kulka
www.joekulka.com
I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! The author made a comment on your blog! WOW. That is amazing and incredible. Joe Kulka is my hero for today.
I read "Wolf's Coming" to the children the week of my birthday. (My birthday is in October so it was absolutely perfect.) They loved, loved, loved the book. Then, to celebrate, I gave the children a bookmark. I have never had so many children sing "Happy Birthday" to me in my life. It was a fun week.
I think its wonderful! Thanks Joe! The kids really did love your book and thanks for commenting on my blog as well. My daughter now wants to be an author/illustrator like you.
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