Library Election

Yesterday, in celebration of Election Day, the Library hosted a Mock Election for two energetic, book characters.

I read the books--President Squid by Aaron Reynolds and Duck for President by Doreen Cronin-- featuring these characters to all classes that wanted to participate on campus. After reading the story, either the classroom teacher or myself would discuss with the students which candidate they would vote for and why. One student stated she would vote for Duck because he is "not as self-absorbed as Squid". Another student said he would vote for Duck because "Squid is too loud." Not all votes were for Duck, though. Students made arguments that they would vote for Squid because he helped a sardine and/or they would vote for him because he is funny.

By hearing the books and expressing their opinions on the candidates, the students were able to make a more educated decision on which character they thought would make a better president.

The students were able to vote either during library or via "absentee ballots" in their classrooms. After voting, the students received an "I Voted" sticker! At lunchtime, the library was open for students to write on the election display why they would vote for a particular candidate and to pose with various "presidential" props.

At the end of the day, I announced the election results over the intercom:

Squid: 84 votes

Duck: 157 votes

Duck is now serving as President for the library! He watches over our students and may even make guest appearances in the classrooms in the future.