Third Graders Learn Civic Engagement Through Voting

In an engaging lesson to bring democracy to life, third graders participated in a mock election on Nov. 5 to select a special design for their upcoming Bronx Zoo trip T-shirts. Having narrowed down their choices to their favorite design per class, the students voted in a final election on their preferred choice. 

“We wanted the students to experience voting and thought it would be exciting to all have the same T-shirt to wear when we visit the Bronx Zoo in May,” third grade teacher Krystle Tawil said. “Our hope is that the students take away the importance of voting and can see how powerful their voices can be through voting.” 

Each student received a ballot and entered a voting booth to make their selection. The excitement peaked when Principal Rakiya Adams announced that third grader Amelia Kedyk’s design won the most votes. Her design will be featured on T-shirts that all third graders will wear on their upcoming field trip. 

The election activity was part of the third graders’ social studies unit on government, where students explored how government influences a community. Within the unit, the students learned about the different types of government, including monarchy, democracy and dictatorship, and discussed the importance of civic participation. They learned about voting and how each person has an equal voice in decision-making through voting.