2016 Election Resources
SSSAS Sinclair Library: October 2016
Scholars and political theorists note that an informed citizenry is necessary for a thriving democracy. With the upcoming election, we have pulled together a variety of resources to assist SSSAS teachers, students, and families navigate the political process and issues, including civic engagement, the U.S. Government, and voting. These print and digital resources include books from the Sinclair Library, helpful videos, and suggested (and vetted) websites for elementary students.
Please do not hesitate to contact Julie Esanu if you have any comments, suggestions for additional resources, or questions.
Sinclair Library Resources
A list of more than 45 non-fiction and fiction titles available in the library to use as mentor texts or read-alouds on everything from the Bill of Rights and the Constitution to voting and voting rights to class elections. For more information, see the Elections 2016 Resource List.
Helpful Videos
Kid President Is Over It!
Does your vote count? The Electoral College explained - Christina Greer
Schoolhouse Rock Electoral College
Suggested Websites
How to Become President
Great kid-friendly resources from Kids.gov, including a useful poster, as well as additional information covering how to become president from the conventions to the election.
iCivics
Founded by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, this website covers a wide range of civics lessons and resources, including rights, responsibilities, and election resources.
Newslea Students Vote 2016
Leveled news articles and resource guides for students and teachers with new articles added daily (great news resource for teachers and students).
PebbleGo Decision 2016
This K-3 database is providing free access to election related resources. In addition, the SSSAS Sinclair Library subscribes to this database.
Ben's Guide to the U.S. Government
A variety of resources created to inform students (and educators) about the federal Government, organized by grade level.
Election Central 2016
An educational guide to U.S. elections for teachers and students from PBS.
Teaching Tolerance Election 2016 Resources
A variety of resources focused on countering bias, civic engagement, getting along and election resources. A variety of lesson plans are included but many are geared to middle and high school students.
270 to Win
Updates and interactive maps useful for teaching the electoral college (also a professional resource to keep tabs on the election).
CNN Student News
Designed for middle and upper school students, daily news show for students (Note: CNN recommends that teachers preview the material before showing to students).
FactCheck.org
Professional resource that monitors a variety of issues for voters "to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics."
FiveThirtyEight
2016 election updates and analysis from statistician Nate Silver (5th grade and up; professional resource).