Exercise Your Vote!
Learn how important it is to participate in an election and vote

Introduction
In the Maya & Miguel episode “Politics Unusual,” Maggie has been appointed by her teacher, Mrs. Langley, to star in the School Assembly Day show. Her co-star is Miguel, who wants nothing to do with this event, but Mrs. Langley won’t let him out of the deal. The only person who could do that is the Class President. Maya has a bright idea: Maggie will run for Class President, and when she wins, she can change the show to suit both her and Miguel. But when classmate Simon decides to run and wins, Maggie comes to realize that listening to people and showing you care is much better than trying to win votes for selfish reasons.

In this activity, your child will be invited to share his/her opinions and vote “yes” or “no” in two or more languages.

Materials:

• index cards
• Popsicle sticks
• glue
• colors/markers
• checklist of issues to vote on

Directions: Make voting sticks, and then speak your mind in any language: English, Spanish or your own native language!

• Brainstorm about different things around the house that you would welcome your child in helping you make a decision about. It might be planning a meal, choosing a weekend movie or deciding what toys and household items to donate to charity.
• Make voting sticks by first writing a big “yes” and “no” on index cards in English, Spanish or your own native language. Color the words. Cut out and glue on Popsicle ticks. Each person voting will need a “yes/no” set in each language.
• Make a checklist of things to talk about and vote on.
• Encourage your child to share opinions about each item on the list before taking a vote.
• Vote by holding up a “yes” or “no” stick (in one or more languages!) If the vote is “split,” then talk some more and try to come to an agreement. If that doesn’t work, then maybe it’s time to bring in another voter to break the tie!

Talk About It: Ask your child to talk about how it feels to vote and how voting can be a good thing for everyone.

Take It Further: Read: So You Want to Be President? by Judith St. George and David Small. Hilariously illustrated, this book shows readers the true humanity of forty-one men who have risen to one of the most powerful positions in the world. Caldecott Medal Book, 2001. (Ages 7-10)

With a Group: In the Maya & Miguel episode, “Politics Unusual,” Maya and Miguel’s teacher wants students to run for class president but no one is interested. Help students understand the importance of running for office and voting in elections by organizing an election. Share with children that when everyone votes, everyone’s voice is heard. Ideas for group elections: choosing group officers, favorite books, activities or future projects.