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!
You can use your IndyPL library card to check out e-books, audiobooks, and other streaming content about elections from home, right to your device. See our digital collection about elections from Axis 360 Kids and OverDrive Kids, or come visit us!
Need help? Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text or email Ask-a-Librarian
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!
V Is for Voting
An introduction to civics for kids.
Duck for President
When Duck gets tired of working for Farmer Brown, his political ambition eventually leads to his being elected President.
Vote for Our Future!
The students of Stanton Elementary School, which is a polling place, find out all they can about voting and then encourage everyone in their neighborhoods to cast their ballots.