Advertisement They say they often have incorporated the 2008 presidential election — and the current events that surround it — into their classroom lessons to teach students about larger issues, such as the economy and environment.
The campaign season also has provided educators the opportunity to discuss how important voting is and to renew interest in the democratic process.
“It is incredibly important for students — and their parents — to know how government works,” said Richard Frost, who teaches eighth grade American history at Longfellow Middle School.
There is a “lack of knowlege” of the ins and outs of government and it is the job of the social studies curriculum to educate students about it, Frost said. Incorporating current events is a natural fit that keeps students interested and involved.
“To me, as a teacher, to not talk about it in class would be pretending the world didn’t exist out there,” he said. “I encourage the students to encourage their parents to become an engaged electorate and go vote.”
Teaching students about politics and government, even at an age when they aren’t old enough to head to the polls, is important, Frost said. “You have to get them interested when you have them captive,” he said.
Frost wove political conversation into his lessons on the Constitution, while other teachers at the school had students write persuasive speeches and do other activities. Longfellow capped the lessons with a rally and mock election.
Social studies teacher Eric Martin and others at Logan High School have spent the months leading up to today’s general election trying to educate the students about the candidates and the issues.
“I think it is important they are not just voting on emotion, but that they are voting for a reason,” Martin said.
Martin’s class has researched the campaign’s issues and identified where the candidates stand as well as analyzed the debates.
“I think they are interested in it,” he said. “They are interested and connected, and it’s important.
“It’s current events, but it’s also U.S. history.”
