Mid-terms a teaching tool at Brooklyn Center Middle School
This year’s mid-term elections are a teaching tool for some seventh grade students at Brooklyn Center Middle School.
“Yes,” said Joycee Collins. “I’m very excited about it.”
The kids took part in a unique classroom assignment. They chose two candidates – a Democrat and a Republican – researched both, then voted for the one.
“We started with just the candidates web site,” said Emma Nicosia, the teacher of the class. “After they had done that we talked about the pros and cons of getting your information just from the candidates themselves.”
Creative election posters
The kids designed posters supporting their candidate. Their art work was colorful, creative and in some cases had powerful messages.
Because of the class, the students are energized for Tuesday’s mid-terms.
“I think they do feel really informed,” Nicosia said.
They want those who can vote, to vote.
“I think parents should research candidates to see what their history was,” said Seham Hayve. “They can learn more about them.”
“We’ve talked a little bit about why it’s important to vote,” Nicosia said. “They’ve come up with their own ideas and ways they might convince someone to vote or not.”
Inspired to vote
For some of these young politicos the process is motivating.
DFL candidate lhan Omar – who is running against Republican Jennifer Zielinski – is an inspiration for Hayve. If Omar wins, she would become the first Somali-American elected to Congress.
“Hopefully I become like Ilhan Omar,” Hayve said.
The students are staging a mock election on Tuesday. The only caveat is, it doesn’t count.
‘When I told them it’s not real,” Nicosia said, “they were like, ‘but I really want to vote now.’ “
