First-grade students at McAnnulty Elementary school in Baldwin-Whitehall School District may not be old enough to vote for the President of the United States yet, but they were able to vote for the President of McAnnulty Elementary in its first inaugural McAnnulty Mock Presidential election. The election was hosted by teachers Katie Richter, Ellie Tecza, Kat Returra and Jeff Besong.
The first graders listened to the story “I Voted – Making a Choice Makes a Difference” by Mark Shulman to learn about elections and voters make informed decisions.
The students then met two candidates, Mike the Monkey and Sally the Shark, who presented videos from the White House lawn to share why they should be elected as President. (The candidates used green screen technology to “transport” themselves to Washington, D.C.)
Mike and Sally told the students about things they would change if they were elected (for example, ice cream at lunch every day but no pizza, or two gym classes per day but no recess) and students had to select the candidate that best represented their needs and wants.
The students were asked to create campaign posters to encourage other students to vote for their candidate. Students shared these posters virtually with their peers on Canvas using a class discussion, in an attempt to influence the vote of their classmates.
Finally, the students cast their vote on an electronic ballot for the President of McAnnulty. The results were revealed on Mock Election Day and Sally the Shark was elected President! The students have new voting knowledge and are ready for their next election.
