Civic Learning in the Early Grades
The elementary school years (P-5) have enormous potential for developing foundations for children’s civic skills and habits. Yet, the need for civic learning opportunities in elementary school has largely been overlooked. With the goal of supporting civic learning in the early grades, we investigate existing research and assess how to advance a strategy to help elementary school students become civic ready. We are grateful to Inquiring Minds Institute for bringing early civic learning to the forefront of our agenda.
DemocracyReady NY Resources
Our P-12 schools have a vital role in fostering students who can safeguard our democracy and steward our nation toward a greater realization of its democratic values. This responsibility is more vital than ever today in the face of the erosion of democratic institutions, changing school demographics, and new technologies. Yet, civic education in the early grades, in particular, has been deprioritized and deferred until high school. Our latest report explores how educators and policymakers can prioritize civic learning in the early years.
Resources from Our Members
Inquiring Minds partners with educators, parents and young students to create democratic tools, processes and programs that improve student engagement, self reliance and civic development offered for free.
KidCivics Videos. KidCivics is a video series designed by kids to help children and adults understand how children can thrive during their time in school. They use Socratic debate and cooperative dialogue strategies to help students probe, problem-solve and create new knowledge.
iCivics resource page for learning resources for elementary students
Teaching Civic Literacy Projects: Student Engagement with Social Problems Grades 4-12, by Dr. Shira Epstein, offers a framework for an overall civic literacy project that includes civic action.
Activities & Advocacy Opportunities
Watch this two-part video series on civic learning in the early grades, created as a part of DemocracyReady NY's New York Civic Learning Week webinar series.