After kids write job descriptions for each, they design paper dolls to represent the characters and attach them to their murals. Then parties choose several presidential candidates from among themselves by carefully assessing the qualifications, experience, and personality of each character. As kids gear up for the presidential primaries, they choose real states and real issues to focus on. For instance, if students select Florida, they tailor their party and candidate platforms to reflect the concerns of its many retired residents. At recess kids recruit students in other classrooms as members of their parties and register them to vote in the primary election.
Kids confront the problems of media scrutiny.
Then we hold the primary. After the primary, parties select vice-presidential candidates, write nominating speeches, and hold lively conventions to which we invite student voters from other classrooms. BIG Thanks to storypath, my kids gain an appreciation for the complexities of a campaign and the importance of clear and accurate communication. They develop an understanding of how political parties work and the kind of influence they have in an election. Students meet questions head-on about the role of media, candidate qualifications, and mudslinging, and compare their classroom experience with the actual presidential campaigns.