And the Election Winner Is . . . Fifth Grade!
In the run up to the country’s presidential election last month, the fifth-grade class exemplified this sentiment, expressed by Principia’s founder, Mary Kimball Morgan: “True democracy strengthens character and is the outcome of unselfishness” (Education at The Principia, p. 28).
Each fall, teachers Heather Tibbetts and Sherry Myles enjoy leading the fifth graders through a six-week unit on American citizenship. And every four years, they make good use of the real-time learning opportunity that a presidential election offers. Once again this year, on the Friday before Election Day, the Lower School gym was transformed into a microcosm of the political process, showcasing the knowledge and understanding students had gained in the course of their unit.
“As a class, the students all did some basic research together,” explains Myles. “Then we gave them the main categories of research, and they got to mark their top three interests.”
Selections included the Electoral College; the Democratic Party and Obama-Biden campaign; the Republican Party and Romney-Ryan campaign; the Office of the President; and the League of Women Voters, which included voter registration. The teachers did their best to match students up with their interests, so they could really dig in and be able to provide accurate information, explanations, and examples for visitors at a mock pre-Election Day rally. Several students also volunteered to take part in presidential-style debates between the two parties, complete with moderator, video camera, and TV monitor.
Before the rally was opened to the “public” (other Lower School students, teachers, parents, and family members), the class took a few minutes to reflect on their experience. Many students expressed gratitude and excitement. They recalled how, as first graders visiting a similar event four years ago, they had little idea what was going on—and now they’re able to explain how democracy works and take part in dinner-table discussions at home!
Then, the doors opened, and the electioneering began in earnest. Each Lower School grade took turns visiting the various “booths,” listening to the debates, asking questions, and registering so they could cast their vote on Election Day.
At the Republican Party table, fifth graders explained their candidates’ stance on job creation and taxes—and also responded to inquiries about how the elephant became the symbol for the party. At the Democratic table, students shared the candidates’ views on taxes and the environment—and President Obama’s favorite food. (He loves to make and eat chili!) The League of Women Voters and the voter registrars actively recruited students to register for the vote. And at the table on the Electoral College, Sidney and Susie displayed impressive charts and maps—and an even more impressive understanding of swing states, the Electoral College process, and what happens if there is a tie.
On November 6, the big day itself, fifth grade set up a polling station at which all Lower School students, faculty, and staff could cast their secret ballots—but only if they had “registered” the previous Friday. Voting was very orderly, and although Mitt Romney won the Lower School election, that didn’t change the results of the actual election. In the end, though, our fifth-grade students were the real winners—walking away with a strong grasp of the meaning and value of a robust democracy.