Even small children can begin to understand the basic concept of voting as a method for making a group decision. Who wants pizza for dinner? Who wants mac 'n cheese? The resources below can help you begin talking with your child about the concept of group decision making and elections in particular.
If I Ran for President, by Catherine Stier, is a great introductory look at what it means to run for office as well as a first look at the election process. The concepts are explained in simple terms appropriate for children. You can watch a video read aloud of If I Ran for President with your child right now!
Talk!
After listening to the story, talk about some of the things that happened in it.
- How old does someone need to be to run for President?
- What are people called when they are running for President?
- Do you know the name of the President of the United States right now?
- Can you name any other people who have been President of the United States?
- Would you like to be President? If you would, what is the first thing you would do?
Read!
Click on one of the book covers below to listen to more election stories.
Find more FREE online reading at 100+ Free Video Read Alouds or try storytime at home!
Use your indyPL Library Card to check out books about elections at any of our locations, or check out e-books and e-audiobooks from home right to your device. If you have never used Axis 360 or OverDrive before, you can learn how to use them for both e-books and audiobooks.
- Elections e-books and audiobooks from Axis 360 Kids
- Elections e-books and audiobooks from OverDrive Kids
Need help? Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text, or email Ask-a-Librarian. The Tinker Station helpline at (317) 275-4500 is also available. It is staffed by device experts who can answer questions about how to read, watch and listen on a PC, tablet or phone.
Sing!
Enjoy this easy sing-along that simply covers what voting is - a way for everyone to have an equal say.
Write!
Find some crayons or makers to color a picture, practice writing the letters, or see if you can follow your way through a maze without getting stuck.
- Printable: President of the Jungle Activity Kit
- Printable: Dr. Seuss Every Voice Counts Activity Kit
Play!
- Virtual Tour: The Children's Museum of Indianapolis: Election Artifacts
- Watch the Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood videos You Can't Always Get What You Want and Queen Sara Explains Voting. Practice making a family decision together by voting.
- Play Learn Along Bingo from PBS Kids,
Introducing Elections to Kids
The books below can help you begin talking with your child about what it means to run for office as well as provide a first look at the election process. For a funny look at politics try out Duck for President. When Duck becomes dissatisfied by the conditions in the barn working for Farmer Brown, he decides it would be better to be the bird in charge! Clever cartoon illustrations show some of the iconic events associated with elections like parades, speeches on a stage, town meetings, campaign posters and a motorcade. Your child will also find out that being the boss is not as easy as it looks!