During my last 2 years of teaching, I had the opportunity to teach 8th grade Civics. To be honest, I was very nervous about this. When I was offered the job, I told the principal that I would do better with the younger grades and I didn't have any experience with jr high or the subject matter. He was quick to remind me that my emphasis was in Social Studies and then assured me that I would do just fine. As I prepared for my first year, I realized that it was an election year and I needed to do more "investigating" of the candidates and even the whole political process than I had ever done before. Don't get me wrong, I have voted in every election possible, but I didn't get really deep into, if you know what I mean.
As I taught these 8th graders, I learned a lot about myself and a lot about why people vote the way they do (or at least have the view points that they have). Obviously, the way we are brought up plays a huge part in our thinking; but I also realized how much of a role that "other" people contribute to this...mainly celebrities. Ah, yes...celebrities. It would drive me crazy to hear that a student liked one candidate over another simply because their favorite celebrity liked him/her. It was kind of tricky to get them to learn to think for themselves. And, yes, sadly, some didn't care to.
So, when we talked about our constitutional right to vote, it didn't surprise me that a lot of them wanted the right; yet, they didn't want to care. That year, it became my personal goal to get them to take an interest in what could and would effect their lives...even at the "know-it-all" ages of 13 & 14. I guess I became a little passionate about politics that year, and I'm glad I did. Each election that comes, I think about my ancestors who didn't have the right to vote, to have a say in things that would affect their lives. I find so much joy in having that privilege! I will never forfeit that right that my female ancestors fought for. Even if the elections don't go the way I want, at least I will have joy knowing that I exercised my freedom, privilege and right to vote!
1 comment:
This was the first election I participated in (slacker, I know). So it was exciting for me too. That is great that you had that opportunity to teach kids about thinking for themselves. It's so hard not to be swayed by the media or another's status. I'm still pretty clueless about politics. But I did actually read the voting pamphlet this year and was convinced NOT to vote for Superdell! :)
Post a Comment