Ideas for raising kids to be engaged citizens:
Talk about it – Let your kids know why you think it’s important to vote. Even very young kids can understand the idea of selecting a leader. Engage older children in a discussion about political issues that are important to you or that come up in the news. Encourage your kids to express their own opinions and ideas.
Vote at home – Introduce the concept of voting by holding simple votes on household issues. It could be as simple as voting on what to prepare for a special meal. You can even use the Run Your Own Vote activity to make it “official”.
Bring your child with you when you vote – Children are welcome at voting stations. Show your kids what voting looks like.
Visit our GAMES area – For games and activities related to citizenship and voting.
Take older kids to a live debate or watch one on TV – Discuss the points the candidates make and ask your kids for their views.
Point to resources on the Web – There are many excellent websites devoted to encouraging youth to participate in the election process. Visit our RESOURCES page for links.
Books - Check your local library or bookstore for these books for young people.
Picture Books
From Far and Wide: A Canadian Citizenship Scrapbook
Author: Jo Bannatyne-Cugnet
ISBN 0887764436
The Peace Book
Author: Todd Parr
ISBN 0316835315
Ruby’s Hope
Author: Hannah Taylor
ISBN 9780978469610
Juvenile Non-fiction
Take Action!: A Guide to Active Citizenship
Author: Marc Kielburger
ISBN 0771580312
Individual Power
Editor: Heather C. Hudak
ISBN 9781553884705 (bound) 9781553884712 (paperback)
What is Citizenship?
Editor: Heather Kissock
ISBN 9781553884644 (bound) 9781553884651 (paperback)
Canada Votes: How We Elect our Government
Author: Linda Granfield
ISBN 9781554530915
Canada’s System of Government
Editor: Don Wells
ISBN 1553880714
Juvenile Biographies
Hannah Taylor: Helping the Homeless
Author: Q.L. Pearce
ISBN 9780737740516
