Primary Presidential Election Process- Lesson Ideas

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We are so excited to begin this election year.  The Presidential elections are such an exciting and important event to be a part of in our country.  What an honor it is to live in a country where we can be a part of choosing who will lead it for the next four years. My family has been paying very close attention to the process already.  My kids know the names of the Rupublican Presidential candidates- we have watched all of the debates (well, I have) and are learning about the process as it unfolds.  I have been trying to help them understand the importance of being involved.  Another reason I have been so closely involved is for personal reasons.  A close relative of mine is running for president.  Can you imagine?  It has been quite an amazing thing to watch closely.  It all begins tonight in Iowa with the first caucus.  I can’t wait to see the results!

So, since we are so close to it, I decided to turn it into a real learning event for us.  I started looking for some fun resources to use to teach my children more about the election process.  I want them to watch and track the results of the primaries.  I am excited to begin this.

Here is what we are going to do:

• We’ll use this Caucus/Primary Schedule and follow when each of the states throughout the country will have their elections. 
• We’ll put them all onto a blank calendar page to keep track of them. 
• Then, we will track them on a blank US map. I think we’ll color code them depending on the dates- since lots of states are on the same dates, we’ll color the states in depending on the date.
• Along with it, we’ll track the winners of each state. 

A few good resources for the 2012 elections:

Another post on my blog about the Presidential election & some great resources for studying it.

Here is a link about my trip to the Republican National Convention.

Amanda Bennet’s unit studies are fabulous.  She has one for the 2012 elections.

Time for Kids has some amazing stuff to learn about elections.

Scholastic has a website page explaining what the Primary Elections are & how they work.  It has some helpful information in it. Also a link to Election 2012.

Education World has several lesson plans about the Presidential Primaries. Plus some great ideas for the general elections, too.

Youth Leadership Initiative has a lesson plan as well that has some great info.

Build Your Library has a Free Election 2012 unit study.

Election unit study from Squidoo.

Spell Out Loud created a great list of resources as well. 

Be sure to be involved in this great process.  Teach your kids about it.  Get out & vote for whoever you feel strongly about.  What a great country we live in!!