During an election year, politics are bound to be a topic in your home. Children learn a lot about the subject simply by listening to our conversations, but have you ever wondered how to teach your children about politics with more intention? Children need to understand the privileges and responsibilities that come with democracy, so they are ready to become active participants in the political process as adults. At CHA, we explore engaging, age-appropriate ways to introduce our students to the world of politics by focusing on the Electoral Process instead of the people. While school-age children might not have the cognitive ability to understand our complex political system, they are very aware of issues of fairness and having a choice.

At school, our Student Lighthouse Team is excited to give students a chance to experience the power of voting. Soon, each student will get to vote on their Favorite Free Dress on Tuesday, November 5th. This will give everyone a voice in making a real choice and learning how voting works. After we cast our votes, the Student Lighthouse will count them up to see the results, and the option with the most votes will be put into action for students to enjoy. This is a great way for students to see how every vote counts and how the outcome reflects what the group decided together.

You may be speaking with your child about how people decide who should lead our country. Young children readily absorb our views on democracy, political activism, and social justice, mostly through what we do and speak. Elementary-age children can begin to understand political parties and their platforms as they learn more about democracy, patriotism, and American history. Encourage your child to ask questions and express their curiosity, as these conversations help foster a deeper understanding of the world around them and build a foundation for thoughtful civic engagement.

With the upcoming election, we recognize that political views and discussions may be present in many households. We deeply respect each family’s unique perspectives and values. To maintain a positive and supportive environment for all students, we kindly ask for your help in keeping our school a place of neutrality during this time. By doing so, we create a space where students can freely engage in learning without feeling influenced or pressured by differing opinions.

Our goal is to provide students with a balanced education on civic engagement and the importance of voting while ensuring they feel safe, respected, and free from the pressure of political alignment. We encourage you to remind your child that, in school, we focus on learning about the process and history behind elections without promoting any particular views. This approach helps students appreciate the mechanics of democracy and understand that the power of choice and participation extends beyond individual beliefs.

Thank you for your understanding and partnership in helping us create a welcoming space for all of our community members. Your collaboration is essential as we guide students to develop critical thinking skills, respect for differing opinions, and an informed approach to participating in democratic processes.