I Thinking Of Trying This In My Elementary Classroom For The Next Two Weeks:

[Dinger]

Have the kids vote each day (anonymously of course). They graph the results each day. We see if there are some who are changing their vote. My students each get a local daily paper which they look over and read after they complete their morning routine. The vote would be taken then. Also, we keep up a class chart that students can discuss among themselves. At no point do I discuss my views (obvious).
The emphasis is on people getting out and voting.

Just wondering what you think. Many curricular areas could be incorporated into this I think. Suggestions welcome.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. I think it is a good idea

but with the political climate the way it is, I would get an ok from the principal first. (My first thought was it would teach kids how to read graphs!)

[Dinger]

4. I Have Discussed It With Her, And She Says It Sounds Like A Good Idea

She also gave me the green light on having my personal day on Nov. 4th, so I'll be up before the sun, and gone to bed long after, and back to school on Wednesday, tired, but ready to go!

[shraby]

2. You might better obtain some fake ballots, or make

some up, have them read about the candidates to form opinions about them, then in the week before the election have the kids vote and put in a box to be opened on election day. This will teach them how to vote which is important.
Maybe a bit of debating on the candidate's good and bad points would also help teach critical thinking.

[Bubbha Jo]

3. It'll be interesting to see how peer pressure changes that graph. n/t

[vanderBeth]

5. I remember what one of my teachers did.

She didn't put the candidate's name, but put their positions. She got us to see if they support someone's politics or their name.

(I don't know how old your students are. They would have to be old enough to be somewhat politically conscious.)

[Dinger]

6. They Are Third Graders, And Your Idea Sounds Great!

Thanks!:)

[torbird]

7. I thinking it idea good much

[thoughtcrime1984]

8. I like it, but some parents may be angered by any perception that you may be influencing

their children to feel a certain way politically, even at such a young age. My son is in second grade, and walks around the house saying yay Obama, go Obama! when he sees him on TV, because he knows that I like him. I'd be upset if I perceived that a teacher might in some way be influencing him towards Republican thoughts, especially at his age. I'm sure you would do this in a completely non-partisan fashion, but I could see some right-wing parent not appreciating it. Just a thought. I'd still do it, however. :)