Civic Learning at Election Time

Nov 1, 2024

Or, How to Talk to Kids About this Election

If you are like most of the country, the election is on your mind (and in your email, texts, and calls). As has been the case recently, this election feels more contentious than we all wish for. The faculty here share our concern about the message that our students receive (most of it indirectly) about how politics works in the United States. Frankly, it’s a bit dismaying.

That said, we remain steadfast in our commitment to developing research and critical thinking skills that, we hope, will guide our students’ developing moral compasses. This year we will also be holding an ‘election’ at Crowden. Some of the offices and issues will mirror those on the ballots that you have been thoughtfully pouring over, and others will be Crowden-focused. While each student will participate in this mock election, they will receive different, developmentally appropriate ballots that align with the discussions they are having in their classrooms. In this way, we hope that each student feels adequately prepared to participate–and that is exactly our aim.

Democracy works best when participation is both high and well-informed. That’s the message that Crowden students will be receiving as we approach, mark, and unpack topics related to the election. And while there may be moments they wish for the adults here to take a strong stand or engage them in debate, we will model our mantra that we teach kids how to think rather than what to think. We want them to explore their ideas–testing and reconsidering and testing again. After all, that is how you discover who you are and what’s important to you. 

If you are looking for resources to facilitate your student’s interest in politics and this campaign season, we suggest:

With the election just days away, and with our mission and core values as our north star, here’s how we plan to approach this election season:

  • We’re here to partner with you in having conversations at home, and we will also create spaces for our faculty and staff to engage in community support so they, in turn, can best support your children.
  • While our school, as a nonprofit, cannot engage in direct political activity or show partisanship, it is our responsibility to teach the fundamentals of democracy and live them out in our words and actions. When we redirect students in how they express opinions about candidates, we are not being partisan; rather, we are ensuring that their language aligns with our mission and core values.
  • Our classrooms are spaces where diverse thoughts and perspectives are welcomed, respected, and valued. We strive to create an environment where every student feels safe and empowered to express their views, while also learning the importance of listening respectfully to the views of others.
  • Our teachers and administrators are committed to approaching discussions about the election, debates, and inauguration with care and thoughtfulness.
  • We encourage families to make decisions about media (and social media) exposure for their children that align with your family’s values. This also includes reminding older students and adults to be cautious of misinformation, and to seek out multiple sources for news. Also, be mindful of younger siblings’ exposure to the social media use of their older siblings, as these topics inevitably make their way into school, especially at election time.
  • We will hold ourselves accountable to our mission, turning these challenging moments into teachable ones where our students learn the values of respect, inclusion, belonging, and empathy.

At Crowden, we pride ourselves in developing not only brilliant young minds and musicians, but empathetic and visionary world citizens who are key contributors to the communities they live and work in. This election cycle, we have an opportunity to help the next generation of voters value, understand, and participate in our democratic system.

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