Talking to Children About the Upcoming Election

The contentious presidential race might be confusing and upsetting. Here's how to help children deal.

BY CASSANDRA SPRATLING

“Kids are really attuned to what’s going on,” says Spears Brown, who co-authored a 2019 study about kids and politics. Sometimes their knowledge is flawed or skewed, which is exactly why it’s important for parents to talk with their children. Here’s how to get those conversations started."

Come With Me by author Holly McGhee illustrated by Pascal tells the story of how bravery and small acts of kindness can be used to combat hatred and fear to create a sense of community among people from diverse backgrounds.

This book also spotlights that during troubling and uncertain times empathy, compassion and relationship building are needed most.

• After viewing the Come With Me read aloud, take a moment to think, draw or write about a time when you experienced fear and what you did to overcome your fear.

• What lesson is the author Holly McGhee trying to teach in her book Come With Me?

Tuscan Principal, Malikah Majeed, Holly McGhee, Tuscan Library Media Specialist, Amy B. Popp, and 2018-2019 PTA President, Mike Paquette Photograph taken by Tuscan parent, Elizabeth Zenobi

“Where are the girls?”

When Grace’s teacher reveals that the United States has never had a female president, Grace decides she wants to be the nation’s first and immediately jumpstarts her political career by running in her school’s mock election! The race is tougher than she expected: her popular opponent declares that he’s the “best man for the job” and seems to have captured the votes of all of the class’s boys. But Grace is more determined than ever. Even if she can’t be the best man for the job, she can certainly try to be the best person! (Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers)

• If you were going to run for the office of President of Tuscan School what would be your campaign slogan?

• What issues do you think would be important to Tuscan School students?

• What would be your top 5 campaign promises?

Email: ROARforTuscan@somsd.k12.nj.us
Website: https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/tuscan/
Location: 25 Harvard Avenue, Maplewood, NJ, USA
Phone: (973)378-5221