Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. highly valued student voice as a critical part of social change. He emphasized that a young person’s education should encourage critical thinking and a commitment to achieving justice. In today’s world, it is increasingly more important for our K to 12 students to understand the power of a responsible, respectful voice; that is, to have on-going opportunities to share their point of view through voting, and to learn the art of advocating not only for themselves but for social change.
STEP 1: S.T.A.R. Card – Building Basic Civic Knowledge…There are Constitutional rights that give students a voice. These rights come with responsibilities. Is there a rule in your home, school, or community for which you would like to suggest a change.? Do you think you have the right to make this suggestion? If so, what change/amendment would you like to suggest?
STEP 2: Read-aloud: Amelia Bedelia’s First Vote by Herman Parish
Read or listen to Amelia Bedelia’s First Vote by Herman Parish. While you are listening, think about a time in school or at home when you were asked to vote for something you wanted to do. Maybe your class was planning a trip, and the teacher asked the students in your class to vote on whether they wanted to go to the zoo or to the amusement park.
STEP 3: To Think About:
- Amelia Bedelia walked properly out of her classroom until her teacher was out of sight. Then she began to run. Think of a time you might have done something like Amelia did. Do you think there is a “right time” to disobey a rule? Be prepared to share.
- After Amelia told Mr. K. she was sorry, Mr. K. asked her what she would do if she were the school principal. What do you think you would tell Mr. K.?`
- Mr. K. asked Amelia Bedelia what rules she would make. Amelia answered by saying that she would let the kids vote on the rules. Think about the students in your class or school. What would you say on the positive side of having students vote on the classroom rules? What would you say would be the negative side of having students vote on the rules? If you were in a K to 8 school, what grade levels would you recommend should be able to vote on the rules and why? Be prepared to share.
- When the class first voted, there was a tie. The tie was broken when a student who was absent had her mom bring her vote to the class. Voting in elections is one of the most important ways each of us has our voice heard. Unfortunately, many people who are registered to vote do not take the time to go vote. In what ways might you encourage registered voters in your home, school, and community to have their voices heard by voting?