Election Emotions: Understanding the Process

Joleen Shillingford

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Election Emotions: Understanding the Process

Explore emotions in the election process

This lesson engages students in a simulation of the election process while exploring the emotions it can evoke. Through experiential learning and discussions, students will gain insights into the democratic process and the emotional dynamics involved. This lesson is crucial for fostering civic awareness and emotional intelligence, encouraging students to understand and manage their emotions during democratic participation.

Audience

5-8th grade students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Experiential Learning, Game-Based Learning, Restorative Practices, Trauma-Informed Teaching, Blended Learning, Inquiry-Based Learning, Active Learning, Collaborative Learning

Materials

Election Process Worksheet, Election Process Reading, Election Process Discussion, Election Simulation Activity, Election Process Exit Ticket, Election Process Quiz, Election Process Answer Key, and Emotional Intelligence Video

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Briefly introduce the topic of elections and their importance in a democracy.
Explain the objective of the lesson: to understand the election process and the emotions it can evoke through a simulation activity.

Step 2

Reading and Discussion

5 mins

Distribute the 'Election Process Reading' handout.
Allow students a few minutes to read.
Facilitate a discussion using the 'Election Process Discussion' questions to explore key concepts and emotions involved.

Step 3

Election Simulation Activity

10 mins

Organize students into groups representing different roles in an election (candidates, voters, election officials).
Guide students through a mock election process, using the 'Election Process Worksheet' to track steps.
Encourage students to reflect on their roles, the emotions they experienced, and the overall process.

Step 4

Emotional Intelligence Video

5 mins

Show the Emotional Intelligence Video to help students understand and manage their emotions during the election process.

Step 5

Emotional Reflection Activity

5 mins

Have students write a short reflection on the emotions they experienced during the simulation and how they managed them.
Encourage students to share their reflections in small groups and discuss strategies for managing emotions effectively.

Step 6

Virtus Discussion and Reflection

5 mins

Discuss the value of 'Virtus' and its importance in the election process.
Ask students to consider how integrity and moral courage play a role in elections, both as candidates and voters.
Encourage students to reflect on how they can embody 'Virtus' in their own lives and during the simulation.

Step 7

Role-Playing Scenarios

5 mins

Have students role-play different scenarios that might occur during an election, focusing on empathy and understanding different perspectives.
Discuss how these scenarios can evoke different emotions and how to manage them.

Step 8

Group Activity: Managing Emotions

5 mins

In groups, have students brainstorm strategies for managing emotions in high-stakes situations like elections.
Share and discuss these strategies with the class.

Step 9

Quiz and Exit Ticket

5 mins

Distribute the 'Election Process Quiz' to assess understanding.
Collect the 'Election Process Exit Ticket' for feedback on the lesson and emotional experiences.

Step 10

Closure

5 mins

Review the key points of the election process and the emotions involved.
Discuss the importance of participating in elections, being informed voters, and managing emotions effectively.

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Discussion

Election Process Discussion

A discussion to explore students' understanding of the election process, its significance, and the emotions it can evoke.

What are the key steps in the election process?

Guide students to identify steps such as nomination, campaigning, voting, and counting votes.

Why is it important for citizens to participate in elections?

Encourage students to think about the impact of voting on democracy and representation.

How did you feel during the election simulation?

Encourage students to share their emotions and discuss how different roles might evoke different feelings.

How can the value of 'Virtus' be applied in the election process?

Discuss the importance of integrity and moral courage in elections and how students can embody these values.

Worksheet

Election Process Worksheet

A worksheet to guide students through the election simulation activity and help them understand each step and the emotions involved.

List the steps involved in the election process.

Describe your role in the election simulation, what you learned from it, and how it made you feel.

Reflect on how you can apply the value of 'Virtus' in your role during the simulation.

Quiz

Election Process Quiz

Answer Key

Election Process Answer Key

The answer key for the election process quiz, providing correct answers and explanations.

What is the first step in the election process?

Nomination
The election process begins with the nomination of candidates who will run for office.

Who is responsible for counting the votes?

Election officials
Election officials are tasked with ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the vote count.

Reading

Election Process Reading

A brief reading material that outlines the key steps and roles in the election process and the emotions involved.

The Election Process

Elections are a fundamental part of democracy, allowing citizens to choose their leaders. The process typically involves several key steps:

Nomination: Candidates are nominated to run for office.
Campaigning: Candidates campaign to share their ideas and gain support.
Voting: Citizens cast their votes for their preferred candidates.
Counting Votes: Election officials count the votes to determine the winner.

Each role in the election process, from candidates to voters, plays a crucial part in ensuring a fair and democratic election. Emotions can run high during elections, as individuals invest in the outcomes and the roles they play.

Quiz

Election Process Exit Ticket