As a busy fifth-grade teacher, introducing students to the concept of the Electoral College can seem daunting. Here are some activities that have worked well in my classroom. I hope they make teaching the Electoral College easy and fun for you too!
Stage Mock Election with an Electoral College
Have students, or yourself come up with two candidates. (I do not use students as candidates, nor do I use the actual candidates. Just me!) I put my students into groups of four and let them make up their own silly candidates. They create an election poster and a list of silly policy stances. They then present them to the class. We have a “mock primary” to narrow the field to two candidates. We take a popular vote first. I then randomly hand out the electoral vote cards to students. We do a roll call vote whereby each student tells me who their state’s electoral votes are.
Speed Electoral College Game
In this game, I split the class into two groups. I then hold up an electoral vote card. When I hold up the card, the first team to have someone shout the running total of their group wins those electoral votes. For example, I hold up the Hawaii card (4 electoral votes), and one student on team A shouts “4”. I then hold up the card from Ohio (18 electoral votes). If team two shouts out “18,” they would get the votes; if team one shouts out “22,” they would get the vote. The first team to win 270 electoral votes wins.
Electoral College Math
As the election draws nearer, students use cards to predict and follow the election. I make a “T-Chart” on a bulletin board. I then have students research each state’s voting patterns to see if we can predict the election.
Another option is to welcome your students into your classroom each day with a different voting scenario. Students then add up the electoral votes to see who wins that day.
Electoral College Escape Room
There is nothing better than adding an Escape Room format to your lesson plans! Escape Rooms do not have to require a lot of prep; they can be simple and easy to implement. For some ideas, take a look at a “Done For You” Electoral College Escape Room here.
The Electoral College and Election Timeline
So much goes on before, during, and after the Presidential election! From choosing delegates to the Party Conventions to the Certification of the Votes, have students research or read about the events that lead up to a Presidential Election, then create a timeline of those events. As the election draws nearer, have students check off or color what step has been completed.
Electoral College Group Research Projects
Divide your class into small groups and assign each group a different aspect of the Electoral College to research. Topics can include the history of the Electoral College, how it has changed over time, and arguments for and against it. Each group can present their findings to the class, encouraging collaboration and public speaking skills.
Go on an Electoral College Scavenger Hunt
I love getting my students up and moving, and Scavenger Hunts are perfect for doing just that! Write small chunks of information on cards, then hang them around the classroom or hallway. Write a question that requires students to find the answer on a card. Students can work independently or with partners, walking around the room and finding answers on the different cards. See the one I use here.
Debate the Pros and Cons of the Electoral College
Organize a debate where students discuss the pros and cons of the Electoral College. This activity helps students develop critical thinking and public speaking skills. It also encourages them to understand different perspectives and formulate their own opinions on the topic.
Invite a Guest Speaker
Invite a local government official or a political science expert to talk to your class about the Electoral College. Hearing from someone with real-world experience can make the topic more relatable and engaging for students. Prepare questions in advance to ensure a productive and informative session.
The presidential election only occurs every four years! Don’t let this opportunity to teach your students about the Electoral College and how the election process works slip away.
Here are some engaging and “Done For You” Electoral College Resources you will love!
