This month, our students had the exciting opportunity to experience the power of voting firsthand!
As we prepare for our upcoming field trip, we wanted our students to have a voice in deciding which movie we will watch. Instead of simply choosing for them, we created a mini “election” in our classroom. Students watched the trailer for The Pout-Pout Fish and The Hoppers, paying close attention to the characters, storyline, and what interested them most. After viewing both trailers, we discussed what it means to make an informed decision. Students shared their thoughts, compared the movies, and explained which one they preferred and why.
We also talked about the importance of voting, that every voice matters and that voting is a powerful way to make choices as a community. Even at a young age, students can begin to understand that their opinions count. They learned that sometimes the choice you vote for wins, and sometimes it doesn’t, but the process is about fairness, respect, and participation.
After thoughtful discussion, students cast their ballots, and the votes were counted. The winning movie is the one we will enjoy together on our field trip! More importantly, our students experienced what it means to participate in a democratic process.
We are proud of how seriously they took their responsibility as voters. It was a wonderful way to combine decision-making skills, critical thinking, and real-world learning, all while building excitement for our trip!
Sarah Hasty
Brodhead Elementary School
Rockcastle County Schools
Grades K-1
