government, elections, and democracY teaching resources
JUSTICE EDUCATION Teaching RESOURCEs
myPITA's complete units with lessons plans, reproducible worksheets, and mock trials for Grades 5, 6, and 7 Social Studies Curriculum.
Grade 5 Unit pdf
Grade 6 Unit pdf
Grade 7 Unit pdf
Justice Education unit plans now with student handouts in French!
5ème année pdf
6ème année pdf
7ème année pdf
Grade 5 Unit pdf
Grade 6 Unit pdf
Grade 7 Unit pdf
Justice Education unit plans now with student handouts in French!
5ème année pdf
6ème année pdf
7ème année pdf
Democracy and Election teaching resources
Elections BC
Election BC's education resources include videos about the levels of elections and government and lesson plans and activities for a variety of levels including English language learners.
Student Vote
Student Vote will provide students with an opportunity to learn about the British Columbia provincial election, debate the future of the province, and cast ballots for the official local candidates running in their school’s electoral district.
Democracy in a Box Activity Kit - Digital downloads and request physical resources
Elections BC has created a Democracy in a Box Activity Kit to help you explore democracy and voting – past and present – in British Columbia. The kit includes fun activities and resources, including supplies for a mock election, election trivia cards, a map to explore B.C.’s electoral districts, and a timeline to learn about the history of voting rights in B.C. The kit is free and includes everything students and classrooms need to hold a mock election and begin exploring democracy and voting.
Election BC's education resources include videos about the levels of elections and government and lesson plans and activities for a variety of levels including English language learners.
Student Vote
Student Vote will provide students with an opportunity to learn about the British Columbia provincial election, debate the future of the province, and cast ballots for the official local candidates running in their school’s electoral district.
Democracy in a Box Activity Kit - Digital downloads and request physical resources
Elections BC has created a Democracy in a Box Activity Kit to help you explore democracy and voting – past and present – in British Columbia. The kit includes fun activities and resources, including supplies for a mock election, election trivia cards, a map to explore B.C.’s electoral districts, and a timeline to learn about the history of voting rights in B.C. The kit is free and includes everything students and classrooms need to hold a mock election and begin exploring democracy and voting.
Books
Picture books - great for read alouds at all ages!
Sofia Valdez, Future Prez
Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Small. hardcover 40 pages
Grades 1-4 and a great read aloud for intermediate and middle years
The reader follows Sofia, a young girl who wants to turn an unsafe landfill into a park for her community. Despite facing challenges and doubts, Sofia leads a campaign to make her idea a reality, showcasing perseverance, civic engagement, and the power of standing up for change. Scroll down for activity pages.
Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Small. hardcover 40 pages
Grades 1-4 and a great read aloud for intermediate and middle years
The reader follows Sofia, a young girl who wants to turn an unsafe landfill into a park for her community. Despite facing challenges and doubts, Sofia leads a campaign to make her idea a reality, showcasing perseverance, civic engagement, and the power of standing up for change. Scroll down for activity pages.
The Night Before Election Day
Softcover, 32 pages
Grades K-2 or a read aloud.
Natasha Wing and illustrated by Amy Wummer.
The story follows a family as they prepare for the big day. With excitement and anticipation, they discuss the importance of voting and the election process. The story captures the spirit of democracy, teaching young readers about civic responsibility in a fun, engaging way.
Softcover, 32 pages
Grades K-2 or a read aloud.
Natasha Wing and illustrated by Amy Wummer.
The story follows a family as they prepare for the big day. With excitement and anticipation, they discuss the importance of voting and the election process. The story captures the spirit of democracy, teaching young readers about civic responsibility in a fun, engaging way.
Show up and Vote
Ani diFranco and illustrated by Rachelle Baker. Hardcover, 48 pages,
Grades K-2 or a read aloud.
Ani diFranco encourages readers to engage in the democratic process by voting. The book emphasizes the importance of civic participation and activism, using powerful illustrations and uplifting messages to inspire individuals to take action, voice their opinions, and contribute to shaping their communities and future
Ani diFranco and illustrated by Rachelle Baker. Hardcover, 48 pages,
Grades K-2 or a read aloud.
Ani diFranco encourages readers to engage in the democratic process by voting. The book emphasizes the importance of civic participation and activism, using powerful illustrations and uplifting messages to inspire individuals to take action, voice their opinions, and contribute to shaping their communities and future
Chapter books
Who Runs This Country, Anyway? CANADIAN CONTENT
Joanne Standridge. Softcover, 80 pages.
Grades 3-7
Joanne Standridge introduces young readers to the structure of the U.S. government. It explains how the country's leaders, including the president, Congress, and the courts, work together to make decisions. Through simple language, the book emphasizes the role of citizens in shaping government policies.
Joanne Standridge. Softcover, 80 pages.
Grades 3-7
Joanne Standridge introduces young readers to the structure of the U.S. government. It explains how the country's leaders, including the president, Congress, and the courts, work together to make decisions. Through simple language, the book emphasizes the role of citizens in shaping government policies.
Get out and Vote! How You Can Shape the Future CANADIAN CONTENT
Elizabeth MacLeod and illustrated by Emily Chu. 2023 Hardcover, 92 pages.
Grades 4-7
This book will give young readers the tools to think critically about civic engagement and why voting matters around the world. It tackles timely issues having to do with racism and voter suppression, gerrymandering, vote-rigging, lowering the voting age and voting reform. Question prompts for the book.
Elizabeth MacLeod and illustrated by Emily Chu. 2023 Hardcover, 92 pages.
Grades 4-7
This book will give young readers the tools to think critically about civic engagement and why voting matters around the world. It tackles timely issues having to do with racism and voter suppression, gerrymandering, vote-rigging, lowering the voting age and voting reform. Question prompts for the book.
Eva for President (Owl Diaries #19)
Rebecca Elliott, 2024, softcover 72 pages.
Grades 1-3
This is a recent addition to the Owl Diaries series and it follows Eva Wingdale, a young owl who runs for class president at Treetop Owlementary. Competing against her friend Sue, Eva learns valuable lessons about leadership, teamwork, and honesty. The story highlights the importance of friendship and working together to achieve goals.
Rebecca Elliott, 2024, softcover 72 pages.
Grades 1-3
This is a recent addition to the Owl Diaries series and it follows Eva Wingdale, a young owl who runs for class president at Treetop Owlementary. Competing against her friend Sue, Eva learns valuable lessons about leadership, teamwork, and honesty. The story highlights the importance of friendship and working together to achieve goals.
The Misfits (Gang of Five)
James Howe, 2001. softcover, 274 pages.
Grades 6-8
This is part of the Gang of Five books written by James Howe, and has to do with four students who do not fit in their small town middle school and they decide to create a third party that represents all who have ever been called names. Discussion questions and activities.
James Howe, 2001. softcover, 274 pages.
Grades 6-8
This is part of the Gang of Five books written by James Howe, and has to do with four students who do not fit in their small town middle school and they decide to create a third party that represents all who have ever been called names. Discussion questions and activities.
The Campaign
Leila Sales. Softcover, 2023 - 288 pages.
Grades 3-7
Maddie, a 12-year-old girl who gets involved in local politics when she helps her babysitter's campaign for city council. As Maddie learns about activism, political campaigns, and making a difference, she discovers her own voice and the impact young people can have on change. Activity pages.
Leila Sales. Softcover, 2023 - 288 pages.
Grades 3-7
Maddie, a 12-year-old girl who gets involved in local politics when she helps her babysitter's campaign for city council. As Maddie learns about activism, political campaigns, and making a difference, she discovers her own voice and the impact young people can have on change. Activity pages.
Blaine for the Win
Robbie Couch. Softcover, 2023, 352 pages.
Grades 7+
Blaine, a high school student who runs for class president to win back his ex-boyfriend, Joey. Along the way, Blaine discovers his true strengths, navigates friendship, self-acceptance, and realizes that authentic leadership is more important than pleasing others.
Robbie Couch. Softcover, 2023, 352 pages.
Grades 7+
Blaine, a high school student who runs for class president to win back his ex-boyfriend, Joey. Along the way, Blaine discovers his true strengths, navigates friendship, self-acceptance, and realizes that authentic leadership is more important than pleasing others.
Book Uncle and Me
Uma Krishnaswami and illustratrated by Julianna Swaney.
Softcover, 2018, 152 pages.
Grades 3-7
Yasmin, a young girl who loves reading books from Book Uncle’s free street library. When the city threatens to close it down, Yasmin takes action, learning about community involvement, activism, and the power of standing up for what you believe in.
Uma Krishnaswami and illustratrated by Julianna Swaney.
Softcover, 2018, 152 pages.
Grades 3-7
Yasmin, a young girl who loves reading books from Book Uncle’s free street library. When the city threatens to close it down, Yasmin takes action, learning about community involvement, activism, and the power of standing up for what you believe in.
