Where to Start:

• Think about where a child falls along the developmental path to understanding some key concepts:

  - Do they understand the difference between opinion and fact?

  - Are they able to understand that there are multiple ways to solve a problem?

  - Are they able to see that differences of opinion are a natural part of our individuality?

• Base your conversation with them on how much they already know.

• Help them understand the role of government and why rules are important to keep our society functioning.

Tips for Different Ages

Preschool and Elementary:

• Try focusing on certain issues and responsibilities of each office rather than individuals that you do or do not agree with personally.

• Talk about voting and why it is important in a democracy.

• Discuss local and state government and not just national.

• Discuss ways politics effect things they come in contact with like school, roads and parks to help them understand.

• Discuss what a democracy means and that the right to disagree and debate issues is fundamental to the type of government we have.

Middle School and High School:

• Help them learn critical skills related to their developing identity as a citizen.

• Teach them the importance of how to consume information responsibly using multiple reliable sources.

• Help them to understand how to have discussions with others who don’t share their same views.

• Help them understand that their preference for the messenger (friend, famous person, advertisement, etc.) does not necessarily validate the message itself.

• Research key topics together and demonstrate the difference between reliable and unreliable sources.

Source: On Our Sleeves