.svg){kind=small}
In a rush? Here’s a quick breakdown:
The topic on everyone’s mind: the election. It’s everywhere—conversations overheard in the grocery store, at Starbucks, and of course, all over the media.
Young children pick up on more of this than we might think, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it’s a great opportunity to encourage curiosity, personal opinions, and values.
Let’s put aside the current political environment for a moment, and talk about why incorporating political concepts and civic engagement into your lesson plans is important - whether it's an election year or not.
Government and civic duty are a part of being a citizen and a human who functions in a broader society. We live it every day, like how we know we can’t just grab a snack and leave without paying, or why we can’t drive through red lights. Not only is it the law, but it’s the right thing to do, and as long as everyone follows them, we will be safer.
A large part of supporting children in their growth is also helping them become kind, caring, successful individuals who also align with the values and upkeep the safety of the greater society.
But, honestly, this isn’t anything that new. We’re just adding the label “politics.”
Politics is a complex term, so let’s break it down into the most simplistic way.
A great place to start is talking about the government’s role in creating a society that is respectful, considerate of various opinions, supportive of individual success and tries to maintain a strong community.
Then, you can talk about how there are certain rules (the law) that need to be followed by everyone in order to create the society that the people want (democracy, voting).
This can be explained in the context of their classroom.
The classroom rules are important for everyone to follow in order to create a safe, fun and welcoming space. Instead of a President, the teacher is the leader who makes the final decisions, but also asks the children to help decide (vote) which book to read or which song to sing.
It’s also a great opportunity to teach them that even if the book or song they want isn’t chosen, they should still continue to express their opinions. There is always another choice to vote on!
Plus, based on their environment and the people in their lives, young children have also developed a sense of right and wrong, or what they think is fair (whether we agree with them is a different story!)
The fundamental social-emotional skills that we are already teaching children, like “sharing is caring,” kindness, listening, and treating others with respect, can also help explain the idea of laws.
These everyday moments of fairness, rules, and social interactions are perfect opportunities to naturally teach kids about the concepts that make up the overarching complex term, “politics.” That’s why it really never is too early to start talking about politics - even if you are not labeling them as politics.
Learning about the law and government doesn’t have to be boring—it can actually be a lot of fun! Here are some playful ways to introduce politics to kids:
Let’s be real—we can’t ignore the current election and political environment. Young children are likely exposed to bits and pieces of it here and there. So, how do we address it with them?
When it comes to talking to preschoolers about the “less glamorous” part of politics. The key is to keep it simple, honest, and grounded in concepts they already understand. But here are some more specific tips to help you navigate this conversation.
Political concepts and jargon are still confusing for me at times, and I’m in my 30s. Take the time to break down complex issues into concepts they can grasp.
For example, if they ask what the signs in your neighborhood read, you can explain that people are able to express themselves and what they care about by posting signs in their yard. And we are, too! Share the concept of freedom of speech.
Preschoolers don’t need to know every detail of a complex political situation. Focus on what is relevant to their world. If they ask tough questions, answer honestly but keep it brief and to the point. Over-explaining can lead to confusion or unnecessary worry.
Dr. John Duffy explains how important it is “to ground them in safety,” and to remind them that they are safe and being taken care of. Simple reminders can go a long way in comforting young children.
You can also explain how everyone is voting for what they believe is best. No one is out to choose a leader who they think will put us in harm. It’s okay to have different opinions, but overall, everyone wants the best for this country.
Stick to fundamental values that children hear about and practice each day, like kindness, fairness, and respect.
For example, if discussing a divisive issue, you could say, "Some people believe one way is fair, while others have different ideas. But, we should always treat each other with kindness, just like how we would want to be treated too."
Help children understand that different people have different experiences, and it’s important to care about others. Talk about the concept of “putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.” You don’t have to agree with them, but it is important to at least try to understand why they feel the way they do.
Take empathy one step further. Encourage children to see differences in opinions or backgrounds as a positive thing.
You can say something like, “Isn’t it great that we’re all different? We all have unique ideas, and that’s what makes the world interesting.”
Use examples to show how people can work together to solve problems. You can share stories where characters who disagree come up with solutions together. Show them that disagreements are normal, but compromises are possible with patience and collaboration.
Stories can be a powerful way to explain difficult concepts. Read books or tell stories about characters who face challenges, disagreements, or feel left out in some way because of who they are or something they believe in. You can also use toys or role-play to demonstrate how people resolve conflicts, vote, or take turns being in charge.
Ask them how they feel about what they’ve heard. Sometimes children just need to express their feelings and ask questions. This can be really difficult when emotions are still new and unfamiliar!
Just being there, being patient, and letting them guide the conversation with their curiosity can be really helpful.
We all know children are sponges and learn from what they see, so your approach to disagreements and challenging news will influence how they respond. Show them through your own behavior how to handle tough situations. If you’re discussing politics or watching the news, stay calm and react respectfully.
When talking to young children about this election, here are some key points to highlight.
But, no matter what you say, remember to:
Guidance from the Danish Health Ministry, translated in full to English.
.jpg)
The full recommendations from a working group of over 70 nursery chains in the UK.
Please note: here at Famly we love sharing creative activities for you to try with the children at your setting, but you know them best. Take the time to consider adaptions you might need to make so these activities are accessible and developmentally appropriate for the children you work with. Just as you ordinarily would, conduct risk assessments for your children and your setting before undertaking new activities, and ensure you and your staff are following your own health and safety guidelines.
Explore our library of longer-form books, guides and editable templates - all free to download.
Explore free resources
