July 2024 - History Gal

How to Teach the Election Process to Middle Schoolers and High Schoolers

Teaching about presidential elections can definitely feel overwhelming. With so many components and steps, it's easy for students to feel lost or uninterested. I totally get it because I know sometimes the topic can seem pretty dry. Since the election process is crucial to our rights as citizens, I work to make learning about the process as engaging and approachable as possible. Today, I'm sharing some of the resources I use with my students to bring the election process to life!

Use these hands on and interactive activities to teach the election process to your middle and high school students this year.

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Presidential Election Game: Do You Have What It Takes to Be President?

Becoming the President of the United States is not quite as easy as just being on the ballot in November. There are multiple stages and steps to the process. Helping our students understand this process also gives them some insight into the democratic process and politics in general. But how exactly do teach all the ins and outs of becoming the President? I have just the thing! I'm so excited to share with you a new digital resource that I have made to help you and your students. Let's explore what the Presidential Election Simulation Game has to offer! Whether you are teaching a government unit or diving into the election process during an election year, this game is going to put your students right in the middle of the action.

Use this presidential election game to teach your students all about the process involved in running for and becoming a president of the United States.

Benefits of Gamifying Learning

When it comes to gamifying learning, there are several benefits, especially for our middle and high schoolers. Students are full of curiosity but often need a little extra motivation to stay engaged. That's where gamifying learning comes in, and trust me, it can make a world of difference! 

When you "gamify" learning especially with something as complex as a presidential election, your students will have more buy in and more fun while learning key concepts you want them to know.
Gamification simply makes learning fun. When our students are having fun, they're more likely to stay focused and retain information. Games naturally encourage participation, which means students are more engaged and active in their learning process. This is particularly beneficial for secondary students who are at an age where keeping attention is challenging. 

Games also provide immediate feedback. In a traditional classroom activity, students might have to wait days to find out how they did on an assignment. With a game, they get instant feedback on their choices and actions, which helps them learn and adjust. This immediate reinforcement is essential for developing a deeper understanding of the material. 

It also encourages problem-solving and critical thinking. Games often present scenarios that require them to think strategically and make decisions based on the information they have. This kind of active learning helps develop important skills that our students can take beyond the classroom. 

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