📖

Citizens Choose Leaders

Our Local Government

Day 124of 180
Week 25of 36
25Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand that citizens participate in choosing leaders through voting

2

Learn basic concepts of elections

3

Recognize voting as a way communities make decisions

📖 Scripture Connection

Romans 13:1

“Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God.”

— Romans 13:1 (WEB)

God establishes leaders and wants us to respect those in authority

📦 Materials Needed

  • Voting ballot template
  • Colored pencils
  • Small box or container for 'ballot box'
  • Stickers or simple prizes
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Gather students in a circle and explain that today we'll learn how communities choose their leaders

💭 Review Question: What does a leader do in our community?
2Teaching (10 min)

In our country, people choose their leaders by voting. When we vote, we pick the person we think will do the best job helping our community.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Voting is how we show who we want to be our leader
  • Everyone gets one vote
  • Leaders help make rules and solve problems
  • Voting is a way we can be part of our community
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What makes a good leader?
  • Why do we need leaders?
  • How can we help our community?
3Activity: Class Election (7 min)
hands-on

Conduct a simple class election to practice voting

📝 Instructions:
  1. Create two fun choices (like favorite snack or classroom helper)
  2. Give each student a ballot
  3. Show how to mark the ballot privately
  4. Place ballots in 'ballot box'
  5. Count votes together
  6. Announce winner
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Teacher helps mark ballots

Challenge: Students create their own ballot choices

4Closing (3 min)

Remind students that voting is a special way we work together

📝 Review Questions:
  • What did we learn about voting today?
  • How can we be good citizens?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for giving us leaders. Help us to be kind and helpful in our community.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn about praying for our leaders

💎 Memory Verse

1 Timothy 2:1-2

“I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings and all who are in high places, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence.”

— 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Prayer Chain: Students hold hands and take turns praying for leaders

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

First-grade students are learning basic civic participation concepts

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Use simple language
  • Make voting seem fun and positive
  • Emphasize respect for all people
🤔 Common Struggles:

Understanding abstract concept of community decision-making

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Child's ability to describe what voting means

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Create a class poster about voting
  • Role-play different community leadership roles
  • Draw pictures of community leaders

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 125 →Back to History & Social Studies