West Cape May Elementary Finds Teaching Moment in Presidential Election

WEST CAPE MAY – The West Cape May Elementary School recently held a debate for the “candidates” in the Presidential race. Several fifth and sixth graders took on the role of Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, and Gary Johnson. A moderator led the questioning, and the actors responded the way their respective candidate would have responded.
“This activity gave my fifth and sixth graders the opportunity to research the candidates’ positions on various topics. They were able to state their position and gain public speaking experience by answering questions in front of the entire student body,” said Mrs. Paige Calabro, grades five and six teacher.
This was a great civics lesson for the students. They learned about the current political agendas for the three primary candidates.
Another activity that was recently held was a mock voting. Mrs. Calabro arranged for the County Board of Elections to deliver a real voting booth to the school. She had each class, Pre-Kindergarten through sixth grade, participate in the presidential election. Each class gathered around the machine while she explained the voting process. Each student was then given the opportunity to vote for their desired candidate. Results from the voting were: Clinton – 35; Trump – 21; Johnson – 38. Johnson received rousing applause when he announced his policy to end the PARCC testing!