Kids’ Civics Books: ‘Why Are Elections Important?’

Tuesday is Election Day. Schools will be closed, and young children will be asking “Why?” It’s a teachable moment, the perfect doorway to a civics lesson.

Weekly Reader has published an easy-to-understand book called “Why are Elections Important?” It’s leveled for Grade 2 and up and has an online quiz. It’s available at Big Universe, along with additional books with civics lessons for kids. (Grownups might benefit from a little brushup on social studies, too.) 

While we adults may be jaded with the grimy side of politics and our country’s transgressions, our children are still privileged to live in a country where citizens have some say. They live in a country with an abundance of freedom and economic resources well above 95 percent of the rest of the world’s population.

We do not live amid the killing fields of the Khmer Rouge regime or the Idi Amin dictatorship. Our children are not prohibited from an education just because they are born the wrong gender or from the wrong caste. In this country we are not prevented from voting because our families have no money or power in a community.

Despite the cheesy campaign slogans and overabundance of rhetoric, we still get to elect our leadership in the United States, and we get to vote out officials who don’t do their jobs well. We get to help make decisions about all sorts of issues and laws.

Voting gives people a voice – just like the gift of literacy. It’s a right, a privilege…and yes, a blessing. 

• “Why Are Elections Important?” (Grade 2)
• “How Do We Elect Our Leaders?” (Grade 5 and up)
• “Who Leads Our Country?” (Grade 2)
• “What Are Your Basic Rights?” (Grade 4)
• “What Are Citizens’ Basic Rights?” (Grade 4)
• “What is a Constitution?” (Grade 4)
• “What Are The Parts of Government?” (Grade 4-6)
• “Why Do We Have Laws?” (Grade 2)

Underdog Triumphs in ‘Pippo the Fool’

It’s human nature for people to love a good story about an underdog. Small guy beats big guy. It’s a classic theme – one that kids just eat up!

Tonight, Butler University, a small school in Indianapolis, will battle it out in the Final 4 of the NCAA’s March Madness basketball tournament against huge schools with much bigger sports programs. Back in the Depression, a small thoroughbred horse named Seabiscuit went from long shot to miracle worker when he soundly upset War Admiral – the 1938 Triple Crown Winner – in the “Match of the Century.” And of course, Americans love to retell how their ragtag army of patriots upset the British Empire more than two centuries ago.

The children’s picture book “Pippo the Fool” fits snugly in this genre. It’s a tale of an underdog, who initially gets little respect, but triumphs in the end. Children going through such a social dilemma will relate, especially kids who are a little quirky or are talented but fly under the radar.

What makes this book published by Charlesbridge an even better story is that the tale is true! Author Tracey E. Fern brings history to life as she retells the unusual circumstances surrounding the finishing of the dome on Florence’s Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Italy more than 600 years ago. It features a contest, a braggart, an underdog and justice – all tied up in pretty packaging, thanks to the charming illustrations by Pau Estrada.

“Pippo the Fool” also teaches moral lessons. It encourages readers to reach for the stars. It teaches the value of perseverance and the pursuit of happiness, whether faced with ridicule from the town bully, health challenges or unfair circumstances. Perhaps best of all is the belief that justice is worth hoping for!

Big Universe offers this book online, including a reading comprehension quiz. (Reading Level: F&P N, DRA 34) Dozens of additional books on the website provide quizzes for learning assessment.

Fire Up and Create: A Comprehension Strategy for Sixth Grade Social Studies

As a teacher, having a myriad of teaching strategies to get students fired up about reading is essential. In order to achieve a goal or objective , teaching strategies lay out a set of procedures for students and teachers to follow. The following strategy called CREATE will also enhance writing, sharing, and oral communication.

Using Big Universe’s book entitled India by Lisa Zamosky, teachers can help 6th grade students comprehend the text with ease.

Step One: Compare and Contrast. List similarities and differences among the early invaders of India. What are significant similarities or differences? Which two are the most significant?

Step Two: Relate Personally. What are your feelings about the invasions leading to the creation of Buddhism? How would you feel if a similar occurrence happened in the United States?

Step Three: Evaluate. Of the three Empires discussed in the book, which do you believe to have had the most impact on India? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each Empire?

Step Four: Associate. What words come to mind when you hear “British Rule”? What do you think of when you recall the British Rule of our early settlers in America?

Step Five: Trace or Sequence. Trace the development of India as a country. Sequence the events leading up to its independence.

Step Six: Enumerate. List the causes of India’s revolt against British Rule. List the facts regarding India’s independence.