Family Connect

Monday, November 3, 2014

Tomorrow is Election Day, which means many things for parents. Will we vote? Will we take our kids with us when we vote? How do we explain the election process we use here in the USA? Education World suggests these 
Five Books to help Share the Meaning of Participatory Government 
with our kids:



See How They Run, by Susan E. Goodman
Ages 9-12
This book takes election facts covering topics such as the electoral college, political parties and campaigning and presents them in an easy-to-understand, lighter format for kids without diluting the information.

Presidential Elections: And Other Cool Facts, by Sylvan A. Sobel, illustrated by Jill Wood
Ages 7-12
This brand-new book is informative and fun to read. Fascinating facts abound; the book, includes the birthplaces of all the presidents, the story of the presidential election that a major newspaper got wrong, and lots more.

The Ballot Box Battle, by Emily Arnold McCully
Ages 5-8
From Caldecott medalist Emily Arnold McCully comes the inspiring story of Cordelia, a young girl whose relationship with her neighbor, the great suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, inspires her to a remarkable act of courage.

Robin Hill School: Election Day, by Margaret McNamera
Ages 4-8
It’s Election Day in Mrs. Connor’s class for a new class president. All of the candidates make big promises (gum ball machines, longer school vacations and more). Then, Mrs. Connor asks if anyone else would like to say something, looking right at new student Becky. Becky speaks, saying that she can’t guarantee any of the big promises of her competitors, but she will do her best. It’s a good early reader for talking about election promises.

Duck for President, by Doreen Cronin
Ages 4-8
This award-winning follow up to Click, Clack, Moo follows Duck from pond to farmer to governor to presidency. It’s great for early readers since it introduces elections in a very basic and fun way. 


Many of our children are also out of school on Election Day. Need ideas for activities? Try one of these 
Five Ways to Spend Election Day:


1. Volunteer. There are several organizations in our area that could use your help! 

2. The downtown library on Jefferson Street in Roanoke is hosting two performances of "The Pirate of Bully Bay" at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday. http://www.roanoke.com/life/columns_and_blogs/blogs/shoptimist/arrrrgggh-kids-out-on-election-day-pirate-of-bully-bay/article_fe6dc1be-6081-11e4-b928-001a4bcf6878.html

3. PBS Parents offers some fun ways to learn more about elections and the voting process. Spend some time exploring together: http://www.pbs.org/parents/special/election/

4. Visit Virginia Museum of Natural History. Rotating exhibits and activities mean that each visit is new and exciting. The museum is open from 9-5.

5. Relax together. Sometimes the best time spent together is unscripted. Enjoy a day together without rushing.


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