Classroom Mock Eletion: Teaching Students the Voting Process with Clear Roles and Procedures

With the 2024 election approaching, your students likely hear about it in the news or discuss their favorite candidates. If your class plans a mock election, it's a perfect opportunity to teach them about voting procedures with clear roles and rules.  

Five Classroom Mock Election Roles and Rules

1. One ballot per student 

No extra or duplicate votes allowed. 

 

2. Respect voter privacy 

Set up a private voting area like a study carrel. Students shouldn't ask others how they voted. Sharing votes is voluntary, but it's poor etiquette to inquire.

 

3. Voter Check-in  

Assign a Poll Clerk to check off student names, simulating identification verification and registration from real elections.

 

4. Accurate and Timely Counting 

Designate a Ballot Counter to tally votes, with a Vote Checker verifying or recounting the totals for accuracy. This should be done promptly, shortly after everyone has voted.

 

5. Reporting Results 

The Election Official (teacher) will receive the final tally and announce the winner. 

 

More Voting Process Activities

In addition to the five roles and rules established for your classroom mock election, consider setting aside time for students to "register" to vote. You can make this engaging by having students obtain an "identification card". Take headshots of each student and print them on cards for an authentic voting experience!

To further immerse your students in the election process, assign two students to take on the role of electioneers-one for each fictitious candidate. This approach ensures that no student feels pressured to support real-life candidates, creating a comfortable environment for everyone. The electioneers can promote their fictitious candidates while adhering to established distance rules, simulating actual electioneering practices. An essential part of their role is to create and distribute flyers, sharing fun and creative reasons to support their characters.  

By incorporating these elements, you'll create a comprehensive and engaging mock election that teaches valuable lessons about democracy, civic responsibility, and participation in the electoral process. Plan by assigning the following roles to ensure your mock election runs smoothly: poll clerk, ballot counter, vote checker, voter registrar, two electioneers (one per candidate), and voters. This will create an organized and effective mock election process.   

 

Electoral Vote Card Game

If you want to take your election activities further, try my electoral vote card game! It reinforces concepts like state electoral votes, geography, and math in a fun, hands-on way. With games like "RACE TO 270!", students get a practical understanding of how electoral votes determine the next president.

 

The card set includes 52 cards (50 states, the District of Columbia, and a wild card) with visuals of the states and the corresponding electoral votes for 2024 and 2028.

 

Plus, a student recording sheet is included to track totals. 

 

This game is ideal whether you want a luck-based competition or an engaging civics lesson. Play in pairs or divide the class into two teams using virtual dice on your whiteboard.

 

Tap the image below to find it:

 

© 2024 Lessons by Molly

 

 

Reading Comprehension with Storyboard Narratives

Storyboard Narratives for Reading Comprehension Practice

 

I am thrilled to have completed my first collection of storyboard narratives just in time for the fall season! These storyboard narratives are perfect for reading comprehension practice and standard test preparation. Each narrative is presented in a storyboard format, providing students with inviting and realistic fall themes. Unlike a blank storyboard, styled like a graphic organizer for students to fill in, these are completed stories. Each story has eight sections, with illustrations and rhymes. This format will enable students to view the entire story from beginning to end on a single page. By viewing the whole story at a glance, students can easily track plot developments and visually see changes in settings throughout the story. 

 

Look at all ten narratives to foster your students' reading comprehension skills this fall.

 

 

Here are the product details:

1. Reading Level Variety: An analysis of the text for each story using the Flesch-Kincaid measurement tool shows reading levels ranging from second to fifth grade, ensuring that all students can find a story that suits their reading level. Most stories are ideal for second, third, and fourth graders. A detailed chart showing the reading levels of each narrative is available in the preview file at my shop.

 

2. Multiple-Choice Quizzes: Use the multiple-choice quizzes as exit tickets. The fill-in-the-bubble format is ideal for standardized test practice. 

3. Adaptable Use: These storyboard narratives are not just for reading in small groups. They can be used in comprehension centers for focused practice, collaborative learning, during fall family reading nights, or sent home for additional practice and family engagement. Additionally, the stories are adaptable for students who may not yet be at the text's reading level. Teachers can read the stories aloud, turning the quizzes into listening comprehension exercises rather than reading comprehension activities. Their adaptability makes them a valuable addition to any learning environment.

 

4. Two Formats Included: Included are black-and-white and color versions of the storyboards to suit your classroom needs. 

 

5. Extension Activities: The extension activities deepen reading comprehension. If desired, complete them before students take the quizzes. These activities include writing prompts, sequencing tasks, a math story problem, estimation with reasonable magnitude activity, a corn maze, a cryptogram, a crossword puzzle, and more. For full details, see the product preview file.

 

6. Ten Fall-Themed Stories: All stories are centered around fall, making them a perfect seasonal addition to your curriculum. 

 

Innovative Reading Comprehension

These storyboard narratives are innovative and fun! They are an excellent way to celebrate the beginning of the fall season and align with reading comprehension standards. Boost your students' reading comprehension skills with storyboard narratives!  

Tap the image below to view the product at my shop. Follow the YouTube link to hear me read one of the narratives and learn how to modify traditional children's games with a seasonal twist. YouTube video link here: Follow the YouTube link to hear me read one of the narratives and learn how to modify traditional children's games with a seasonal twist.  YouTube video link HERE.

Click the image below to receive free sample (modified version) of one of the narratives.

 

© 2024 Molly McMahon, Lessons by Molly

 

 

 

 

Solar Eclipse Mapping Activity

 

Materials Needed for Mapping the Eclipse

In this blog post, I'm excited to introduce an engaging activity centered around the 2024 solar eclipse. I recommend using the NASA interactive eclipse path map and providing students with blank maps of the USA. Students will also require a small box of raisins to mark the path of totality on their maps.  During the activity, display the NASA map onto a whiteboard, and students replicate the path using the raisins on their maps.  Large maps work best. Inexpensive maps are available at the Dollar Tree.

 

Think Process Instead of Product

The photo above showcases beans used to represent the path of totality on the map. It's important to note that while the representation may not be perfect, the emphasis is on the process rather than the end result. Focus on the engagement and learning experience with your students rather than achieving perfection in their representations.   

 

United States in the Path of Totality

Teachers should ensure that students mark at least one bean or raisin on each state within the path of totality, emphasizing the states' names and the path's direction and shape. The 2024 solar eclipse's path of totality forms a curved path across North America, resembling a diagonal line. It stretches from the southwestern United States, arcs through the central and eastern portions of the country, and extends into eastern Canada. The 15 states that will experience some totality during the 2024 solar eclipse are:

1. Texas
2. Oklahoma
3. Arkansas
4. Missouri
5. Illinois
6. Kentucky
7. Indiana
8. Ohio
9. Pennsylvania
10. New York
    
11. Vermont
12. New Hampshire
    
13. Maine  
14. Tennessee
15. Michigan 

 

Tactile Mapping Activity

This hands-on activity enhances mapping skills and sparks curiosity about celestial phenomena. If you'd like, tap the image below to get the list of states for your students to refer to.

 

Free Solar Eclipse Materials

Additionally, I'm excited to announce two new free resources in my shop. The first is a crossword puzzle focused on the eclipse, providing a fun way to reinforce vocabulary. Tap on the images below to view at my shop.

 

 

The second freebie is a reading passage about the 2024 solar eclipse with questions and multiple-choice answers. The reading passage is a fifth grade text level. Younger students with strong comprehension skills could have the passage and questions read aloud to them.

 

© 2024 Molly McMahon, Lessons by Molly

School Supplies Bingo: Fun and Educational for Students!

Introduction

In my last blog post, I introduced the thrilling "Beach Bingo" game, ideal for children who've experienced the joy of the beach firsthand. I'm excited to bring you another game that will undoubtedly become a class hit - say hello to "School Supplies Bingo"! This game is designed with kindergarteners and first-graders in mind and is bound to be a favorite among young learners!

A Game for All: Welcoming Children of Every Background

Unlike the beach-themed game, "School Supplies Bingo" is not limited to children with specific experiences. Every child has encountered and used school supplies in their academic journey. These essential tools are familiar to all youngsters, from pencils and crayons to scissors and erasers.

Elevating Fun to Learning: The Power of Vocabulary Cards

One unique aspect that sets "School Supplies Bingo" apart from other similar games is incorporating vocabulary cards. Like the beach bingo game, these cards offer intriguing clues about each school tool. As the caller reads the descriptions, the children will be eager to identify the items on their bingo boards, adding an educational element to the game. 

This bingo game goes beyond just being an enjoyable game; it also serves as a teaching tool. Including vocabulary cards ensures children have fun, learn about each school supply, and prepare to use these tools. We use vocabulary cards to elevate the game experience from a mere matching exercise to an exciting learning opportunity. 

The photo above shows nine of the sixteen vocabulary cards that are included. As children listen to the clues and correctly identify the school supplies on their boards, they enhance their vocabulary and observational skills. The clues in the first-person perspective make "School Supplies Bingo" a fantastic way to engage young learners and foster their understanding of the tools they'll use throughout the school year.

Picture Word Cards: Enabling Accessibility

To ensure an inclusive and adaptable experience, "School Supplies Bingo" has an additional feature - picture word cards. These cards are visual prompts for children who find it easier to identify the school supplies with images rather than written clues read out loud. Whether a child benefits from vocabulary cards or picture word cards, the game remains accessible and enjoyable for all.

Return to School: Kickstart the Year with School Supplies Bingo

As we approach the back-to-school season, there couldn't be a more fitting time to introduce "School Supplies Bingo" to students. With children gearing up to start a new academic year and getting their school supplies ready, this game will make learning more enjoyable and exciting. Whether your students are already familiar with school routines or are just starting their educational journey, "School Supplies Bingo" is an fun-filled activity. Let the thrill of the game combine as young minds learn about their school supplies!

The Word List

The sixteen words cover both items brought in by the students themselves and a few essential components of the classroom environment. Let's take a look at the school supply word list included in the game: ruler, paper, folder, sharpener, computer, pencil pouch, glue stick, glue, markers, scissors, crayons, globe, erasers, backpack, books, and pencil.

Product Contents

18 unique color bingo cards with 16 images and words

18 black and white bingo cards with 16 images and words (identical to the color version)

16 vocabulary cards written in the first-person perspective

16 calling word cards

1 single-sheet calling card

Important Printing Tips

Use the "fit" setting on your printer. Do not use the "actual size" setting. The print results in the photo shown below are visually pleasing. The frames fit nicely around the blue and yellow cardstock paper. If you don't use the proper print setting, you may cut off the edges of the frames, which won't be visually pleasing! Always try a test print with one of the black and white cards on plain paper.

Click the image below to view the product at my shop.

View my previous blog post here: BEACH BINGO.

© 2023 Molly McMahon, Lessons by Molly

 

 

 

Bringing the Beach to the Classroom: Enhancing Learning through Real Experiences and Beach-Themed Bingo

Bringing the Beach Indoors with Tangible Objects

A handful of children may visit the ocean during the summer, so teachers play a vital role in bringing the beach experience to the classroom for those students that do not have the opportunity. Students can have a captivating beach center adorned with beach-themed objects that are easily accessible. Consider incorporating tangible items such as a plastic shovel and bucket, sunglasses, a mask and snorkel set, flip-flops, swimsuits, seashells, sunhats, a cooler, a blanket and sunscreen. These real objects can be brought into the classroom creating a beach atmosphere that engages students and enhances their learning experience. The items mentioned are seasonal at your local stores. So, hurry and get them now. They'll be gone soon!  

Embellish the Beach Center with Sound and Visuals

Support the beach center with photos and books to enrich the beach-themed learning environment. Present videos on the whiteboard. Videos of seagulls soaring through the sky or a video of waves crashing on the shore simulate the beach setting, allowing students to use their sense of sound. They also get the visual experience enhanced by the motion that videos provide. These multimedia resources add an extra layer of sensory immersion and allow students to explore the coastal ambiance from different perspectives. With the real objects and multimedia resources, you provide students with a multi-sensory experience that fosters strong connections. The beach pretend play space allows students to explore, learn, and have fun!

Transitioning From the Real Objects to Pictures and Words with a Game

After students have had the opportunity to interact with tangible objects, transitioning to pictures and words can reinforce your students' learning experiences. This further solidifies their knowledge through visual and linguistic cues. Reading aloud with simple picture books about the ocean is one strategy to enrich students' comprehension. Another way is to incorporate beach-themed games. Beach bingo is a fun and effective method to reinforce their learning. In my beach-themed bingo game, I have carefully selected 16 words that align with the beach experience. Integrating pictures and vocabulary into the game enhances language development and encourages deeper connections to the beach theme.

Elevating Learning with Vocabulary Building Cards in the Beach Bingo Game

Remember, context is essential in facilitating effective learning. Merely calling out words like "sunglasses" on a bingo sheet does little to build vocabulary. That's why my beach-themed bingo game includes vocabulary cards. The cards are presented in the first person. They provide clues to the word's identity. The vocabulary cards offer an added depth that elevates the game, making it a useful tool for vocabulary development. View my beach bingo game here: BEACH BINGO.

Black and white versions of the game are included in the product.  The photo below is from a black and white page that was printed using green card-stock paper.

Flexible Adaptations: Tailoring the Game to Suit Your Students' Needs

Tailor the game to suit your classroom needs. Mix the pictures and vocabulary cards within the same game round. Abbreviate portions of the descriptive vocabulary to simplify. For instance, instead of providing a detailed cooler description, you can say, "I keep your food and drinks cold on a hot summer day".

The Timely Impact of Themed Activity Units

In education, timing is crucial in maximizing themed activity units' impact. The best time to dive into a beach theme is at the end of summer or as a back-to-school activity. This strategic choice aligns perfectly with students' recent visits to the beach, ensuring that they can draw upon real-life encounters to enhance their learning.

As seen in the photo, as a young child, I had the joy of visiting a beach, just before starting preschool or kindergarten. The excitement of that sandy adventure remained fresh in my mind for several weeks afterward, and this is precisely the kind of connection teachers can foster when creating a beach-themed pretend play center during the back-to-school season. 

It is essential to acknowledge that not all students may have firsthand experiences of the beach. However, by careful timing and selecting relevant themed activities, educators can bridge this gap and provide meaningful learning opportunities for all. Discover more insights on the significance of timing educational activities in my previous blog post here:  

Timing Matters: Enhancing Learning Through Timely Experiences and Activities.

 

© 2023 Molly McMahon, Lessons by Molly