Step 1: Minute Mystery, just to get us warmed up: The bus for Jackie’s school stops in front of her house every morning, but Jackie always walks to school anyway. She is often in a hurry and does not want exercise, so why doesn’t she take the bus?
(Answer: The bus that is in front of her house is bringing students to school. Jackie lives across the street from the school.)
Step 2: S.T.A.R. Card: Being an active citizen is when you take a stand and take action to support that stand. In what ways are you an active citizen?
Step 3: Read Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio.
To Think About:
1. Sam had three choices when he walked up to the microphone. He could vote for Thomas. He could vote for Grace. He could choose not to vote at all. Let’s take a vote about what you would do. What do you think Sam did? What would have happened if he had chosen not to vote?
2. Grace is overwhelmed by the news that there has never been a woman President of the United States. Do you think a woman would make a good President? Why or why not?
3. Do you know what qualifications an individual needs to run for President of the United States?
a. You must be at least 35 years of age.
b. You must have lived in the United States for at least 14 years.
c. You must be a natural born citizen, meaning to have been born in the United States.
There has been discussion among our leaders that we should eliminate the qualification that you have to have been born in the United States to run for President. Do you think it is a good idea to have someone from another country run for President of the United States? Be prepared to support your point of view.
4. Does your K to 8 th grade school have classroom officers and/or school officers? Do you think all schools should have a student government? Let’s VOTE. If you think schools should have student officers, what do you think their responsibilities should be?
5. A Sticky Situation: Imagine that your teacher has asked your class to vote for what trip you should take for your end-of-the-year celebration. The teacher gave the students three choices. They could go to the local zoo. They could go to the local amusement park. They could go to a professional baseball game. You overheard a group of boys in your class say they are not going to bother to vote. They think the baseball game is the best choice, but they feel that most kids will not vote for that choice. Do you think the boys are doing the right thing by not voting? Do you always have to get what you vote for to be willing to vote? What could you say to the boys to encourage them to vote?
Step 4: TO DO: A Creative Challenge:
Imagine you have been asked to design the cover for a book that encourages all citizens who are old enough to vote, to be sure to vote. First, think about what message you want your design to send. Then use your creative talents to create a cover that motivates more people to VOTE!