Case Study at a Glance

Understanding that voting is important and that we vote for things we want is foundational to our democratic system of government. First graders are generally egocentric, dichotomous thinkers. This unit is intended to nudge students to become empathic thinkers who understand and respond to the needs of the group and others. The goal is to teach children about active, informed participation, which prepares them to take on civic responsibility in our classroom and world.

Author: Randi Beckmann

School: Belle Sherman

Level: 1st Grade

pros and cons

Questions

Guiding Question

  • How can we use voting to make our classroom and community better?

ICSD Anti-Marginalization Focus Question

  • How is change made?

Student Product

After discussing elections generally, students will debate a proposed classroom rule. They will learn to take a position and advocate for their platform. Later, the students will vote on their proposed rule. Children will evaluate the implementation of the rule and then present the rule and the results of their evaluation to the school for consideration as a whole school rule.