The upcoming presidential election has provided a great vehicle to teach research skills.  The sixth graders have used the encyclopedia, almanac, and various periodicals to gain new information about our democracy and the office of the president. 

All students will have a chance to register to vote either in the morning before classes or during recess.   The sixth graders will be in charge of marking off their names.  Our secretary of state, Deb Markowitz, has provided materials to the schools to help the children learn about voting.  Students will take home a “Your Vote is Your Voice” sticker as a reward for putting their name on the registration sheet.

Nancy Robinson will then give these students an opportunity to walk through the town clerk’s office and cast a vote.  I will walk each class through on a Monday before the actual election date.  Although the students know their vote will not count to elect our next president, it is a great hands-on lesson to teach democratic responsibility.