Goldfish or betta fish? Kingsley kindergarteners learn about elections and voting

Students at Kingsley Elementary went home wearing “I Voted” stickers after taking part in their first election in late September! Krystal Luce’s kindergarten class learned about campaigns, candidates, voting, and respecting others’ decisions with a class election to decide whether they should get a goldfish or betta fish.

“Voting is when you choose something you want … if you want that book or this book, ice cream or cupcake,” the class agreed. Ms. Luce walked them through some logistics — only circle one option, no need to put your name on it, and the importance of kindness and respect regardless of whether you voted for the winner. In the lessons leading up to the election, students learned the differences between their two “candidates” and also colored campaign posters. Students voted at individual “polling places” and then cast their votes in the ballot box.

After all 16 students and the teacher had cast their votes, Ms. Luce read each vote out loud and pinned it on the board so everyone could follow along. In a close 9-8 race, amid enthusiastic cheers, the students chose to get a goldfish!