During this global pandemic, citizens all over the world are being asked to do something very simple: stay home. Our state and federal officials are making this request of us to keep up safe and to stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus. This interruption to our daily routines doesn’t mean that everything has to change. We can continue to learn and continue to be engaged citizens.
To aid teachers and students as they adapt to distance learning, we have curated a selection of new and adapted lessons and activities for students to do at home. These lessons are based on lessons from the Kid Governor® Toolkits, other resources from The Connecticut Democracy Center, and recommendations from teachers and partners. These lessons are geared towards fifth graders but can be modified for younger or older students, too!
While you and your students are home, explore these resources to continue learning about civics and how to be an engaged citizen. Have an idea or a lesson that you would like to share? Email info@KidGovernor.org.
Learn About the Role of the Governor
Teachers and parents can access this activity in Lesson 2 of their state’s Kid Governor Toolkit. Students will learn about the role of the governor, how the governor is elected, and what their responsibilities are.
Lesson 2: The Election and Role of the Governor
Click HERE for the Connecticut’s Kid Governor Toolkit
Click HERE for the New Hampshire’s Kid Governor Toolkit
Click HERE for the Oregon’s Kid Governor Toolkit
For more lessons on the role of the governor, visit iCivics for their The State Governor lesson plan!
Be Creative: Draw a Leader
In Lesson 4 of the Kid Governor toolkits, students are asked to explain what the qualities are of a leader. This makes for a fun at-home arts and crafts project where students can reflect on what qualities they see in their leaders or what qualities they have.
Click HERE to download lesson.
Click HERE to download the worksheet.
Writing Prompt: What qualities do you have that make you a leader?
On a piece of paper, respond to the above writing prompt. Think about what qualities a leader has and which of those are qualities you think you have. Write a list of these qualities and explain how you show those leadership qualities.
My Community and Me
This activity allows students all all ages to learn about their place in a community and to feel connected during a time when everyone is being asked to stay apart.
Click HERE for the Activity Plan for My Community and Me. The activity plan includes two activities for students and their families:
- Activity One: Draw Your Community
- Activity Two: Community Scavenger Hunt
2016 Connecticut’s Kid Governor Elena Tipton’s Weekly Kindness Series
2016 Connecticut’s Kid Governor Elena Tipton has launched a weekly video series to inspire students across the country to show kindness while social distancing. Each week, CTKG Elena shares ideas for how kids can safely make a difference and show kindness towards others during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Do you have an idea for how kids can show kindness? Email Kid Governor Elena at CKGElena@KidGovernor.org to share your ideas– she may feature them in an upcoming video!
Writing Prompt: How Have You Shown Kindness Towards Others?
After watching one of Kid Governor Elena’s videos, follow one of her suggestions! On a piece of paper or in a Google/Microsoft Word Document, reflect on the act of kindness you completed. Write a short paragraph about what you did, why you chose that act of kindness, and how it made you feel.
Share it with a friend, a loved one, or your teachers. When they read about your act of kindness and how it made you feel, they may be inspired to get involved too! Share your responses with us and we can post your message on social media to inspire our followers across the country. Email your reflection to info@KidGovernor.org.
Author Elissa Grodin Reads D is for Democracy
D is for Democracy is a featured book in the Kid Governor’s Library. It teaches students– an adults!– about the history and fundamentals of democracy and our government.
Thank you to Ms. Grodin for teaming up with Kid Governor to share her book with students across the nation!
This book is read alout with permission from Sleeping Bear Press/Cherry Lake Publishing Group. This recording is provided by Jon Russell of Presence Studios in Weston, CT.