Information for Teachers
Kids Voting is not an add-on or extra burden for teachers. Kids Voting supports teachers to deliver the existing curriculum in a fun and unique way. Kids Voting is designed to work with the Year Nine social studies curriculum so you can choose activities that are appropriate to your classes and requirements.
Kids Voting has been carried out for several years by schools in Auckland City with positive results. The resources that will be provided to teachers are based on those that have been used successfully in Auckland.
There is good evidence that programs which give students an experience of participating in democratic systems are likely to foster future participation and have a number of benefits for students and teachers including:
- giving students first hand experience of the electoral process and removing the fear factor
- increasing interest in politics by involving students in the democratic process
- providing opportunities for supporting activities that can contribute to the achievement of other curriculum objectives
- raising awareness of issues facing local communities and the nation as a whole.
Parliamentary Elections
It is unclear exactly when the general election will be held this year as the Prime Minister decides on the date. The last four elections have been announced between May and September and held between July and November, so it is likely that it will take place in the later part of next year. By starting your school's preparation now, you will be better placed for when a sudden announcement is made as the time between this and the election can be little as a month.
Teacher Registration Information
Before you register your school to participate in this year's Kids Voting you may wish to consider some of the following:
- Decide upon the year(s) within your school that you would like to take part.
- Speak to colleagues whose classes will be taking part in the election and secure their support.
- Hold a preliminary planning meeting with all relevant teachers, and students who are keen to be involved to discuss feasibility, budget, time scale etc...
- Decide on the management arrangement for your event - who will take the lead on it? Identify one person to act as a key liaison person with the National Coordinator for Kids Voting and discuss how relevant information and updates will be disseminated to other colleagues and students e.g. through email or monthly planning meetings?
- Agree on the amount of time your school wishes to devote to preparing students for the election - including lesson time and other activities e.g. a meet the candidate's event. Factor this into the school curriculum now.
