As election season unfolds, it's common for young children to overhear discussions about politics and hear snippets of news from the media. This can lead to curiosity and questions about the political landscape and civic processes. As parents and educators, we have a unique opportunity to engage children in meaningful conversations about civic engagement, helping them develop a foundation for informed citizenship.
Why Engage Children in Civic Discussions?
Introducing young learners to the concepts of democracy, voting, and civic responsibility not only answers their questions but also fosters a sense of agency and community involvement. By participating in discussions about current events, children learn to express their opinions in manners that are respectful to others and understand the importance of being active members of society.
Learning in Our Community
One way to spark interest in civic engagement is through visiting local government buildings and offices. Organizing visits to local government offices, courts, or civic events, such as volunteering at animal shelters or hosting a bake sale for charity, allows children to see democracy in action.
Visiting local council meetings and engaging with policymakers can be a great introduction for young children to civic engagement. They can witness how local decisions are made and understand the role of elected officials in their community. They can also see how the elected officials in their community are regular people like their families. It is important to encourage children to ask questions during the meeting or with the policymakers about what the meeting was about or what the role of the policymaker is.
Additionally, visiting courthouses can assist with children’s basic understanding of the judicial process. Talking to a judge about their role can give children insights into how laws are created and enforced. These real-world experiences make the abstract concepts of civic engagement tangible and show children the impact of civic involvement on their daily lives.
Learning through Books
Another excellent resource for introducing civic engagement to young ones is through reading. Books like What’s the Big Deal About Elections by Rubi Shamir, Lilian’s Right to Vote by Jonah Winter, and Sofia Valdez Future President by Andrea Beaty illustrate the importance of dreaming big and participating in civic life. These stories emphasize creativity, perseverance, and what it means to have an opinion and a voice, making them relatable and inspiring for young readers.
Reading together allows the child to ask questions and engage with the text at their own time and pace. Some example prompt questions that can facilitate discussion about the text are:
“How was the (the main character’s name) a leader?”
“What do you think makes a good leader?”
Encourage Open Conversations
As adults, we can hold space for conversations about what children hear in the media. It’s important to create a safe space for them to express their thoughts and feelings. When they ask questions about political issues, respond with patience and encourage them to share their opinions or walk through a think out loud of your own opinion and other ways that people can see the situation. Discussing various viewpoints helps them understand the complexity of civic issues and fosters empathy.
More resources
Helping Kids Rise: https://www.helpingkidsrise.org/post/must-read-children-s-books-about-elections-politics-and-civic-engagement
Start with a Book: https://www.startwithabook.org/summer-reading-learning/civics-and-our-government
PBS Kids for Parents: https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-children-about-politics
