As the 2024 election approaches, I have been fascinated observing how differently our students are processing and engaging with the election compared to those at the traditional college preparatory school where I previously worked. Our faculty and staff have noted relatively little conversation among students about the election despite the prevalence of viewpoints on TikTok and other social media sites about the election and candidates. While we know some students clearly hold their own political beliefs, the atmosphere feels open to all opinions rather than tense or polarized - which speaks to the strong culture of acceptance at our school. We also recognize that for some of our learners, the election is not even on their radar. As refreshing as this is for us as educators, it also is important that our students leave Miriam with some level of civic-mindedness, including an understanding of the electoral process and their role as a voter within this process - especially advocating for their own rights as neurodivergent learners. 

In our U.S. History classes, Dr. Kuhn is working on a unit about the United States election process. During this unit, students will: learn about the structure and function of the election process; analyze key issues, candidates, and platforms of the 2024 election; and, reflect on the importance of civic engagement, critical thinking, and respective dialogue. Throughout the unit, teachers will discuss the election with sensitivity, focusing on a non-partisan approach that acknowledges diverse perspectives. The ultimate goal is for our students to understand the importance of allowing citizens to vote in elections, and protecting our rights to freedom of speech, writing, and religion. Dr. Kuhn will share more information with parents of his U.S. History students next week. 

In addition, through our Miriam Essentials and other social skills programming, teachers continue to foster key skills that will support later civil discourse, such as examining how to disagree with someone in a respectful way or discussing how to be a fair winner and a gracious loser. Respectful dialogue includes being curious and listening to understand rather than trying to convince someone they are wrong, which many adults still seem to struggle with! They also are practicing empathy: “If you see someone upset, here’s what you can do to support them even if you don’t agree with them or completely understand.”

How can you foster similar conversations and make the most of these teachable moments as they arise in your own home? Below are some guidelines and discussion questions that may be helpful:

 Listen to what your child already knows about the election.

Children and teenagers, even those with disabilities, often surprise us with their level of understanding of complex issues and situations. Create an opportunity for fact-based conversations and provide a sense of control over what is happening in the world right now. 

Focus on issues - not people.

What is an issue that you believe could be addressed cooperatively if you focus on shared values or common ground first? Use this as the foundation for a conversation about working cooperatively and finding areas you can agree upon rather than focusing on taking sides or differing opinions. 

Seek out age and developmentally appropriate sources for news and information. 

• Lower and early Middle School developmental age: turn to sources designed specifically for kids such as News for Kids.net, Time for Kids, and Scholastic Kids Press Corps.
• Late Middle and High School developmental age: Some pre-teens and adolescents are beginning to understand more about the campaigns and may pay more attention to political advertising and the fear-mongering that often occurs in politics. Discuss ads and articles that air when you are in the car or watching TV at home together. Actively help them find fact-based sources and identify sources of misinformation. Focus on civility as well as your family values. 

Remind them not to believe everything they hear or read. 

• Where do you find news that you trust? Be open with them about what you do to navigate through the disinformation to find facts. 
• Whose thoughts and opinions do you respect and why? 
• Discuss the role of social media in elections. 

Respect for differing viewpoints.

Help your children understand differing political views. Don’t just cover your own political viewpoint, but help them learn to think critically about other viewpoints. Ask yourself:

• What assumptions do I make about people with different political beliefs or understandings? How does that play out in the way I treat them? 
• What values do I understand to be shared by all Americans? How could these values contribute to peacebuilding? 
• Discuss and practice active listening when talking with someone with a different viewpoint. 
• When our deepest felt beliefs are challenged, our brain often responds by shutting down, which puts us in a defensive, emotional place. Model how to navigate challenges in a positive way for your child and give them permission and encouragement to take a break and calm down if they ever feel this way. Some ways they could calm themselves include:
  • Take a walk or do something active.
  • Ask to get a drink of water.
  • Take 10 deep breaths or practice box breathing.
  • Take a break from social media.
  • Listen to calming music.
  • If the candidate you support doesn’t win, how would you want to be treated? Focus on the Golden Rule: treat others how you would want to be treated.  

Monitor social media and encourage positive behavior.

Talk to your child about how much is being shared on social media by them and others about the election, how much they do or do not engage on political topics, and why they are making these choices.

• Remind students about the guidelines you already have discussed regarding what they should or should not post on social media. Encourage disengagement when needed.
• Talk to them about times you have chosen to disengage in online conversations that have the potential to take a negative turn.

Reinforce your family values.

Answering these questions can often help your discussion move beyond focusing on your political stance and truly get to the heart of your beliefs that guide your own decision-making: 

• What are your hopes and concerns for your family, community, and/or the United States? 
• What sense of purpose or mission guides you in your life?  

Similar to the last presidential election cycle, we may not know the outcome of the 2024 election at the end of the day, November 5th, which means the potential for election conversations could stretch longer again this year. If your child struggles at any point with navigating this terrain beyond what you can support, please encourage them to reach out to a trusted adult at school.

 If we all work together as a community to model and foster civil dialogue and understanding of other viewpoints, our students will learn even more important life skills to unite us and promote dignity, respect, and freedom. 

Additional resources:

From PBS Kids 

• How to Talk Children About Politics
• Let’s Vote! Talking to Children about Voting 

How to Guide Your Kid Through the Election Season from Commonsense Media

Help Students Fact-Check the Web Like the Pros from Commonsense Media

Talking to Children and Teens about the Election from Psychology Today
 

Experiential Learning Program at Miriam High School

Miriam High School’s Experiential Learning Program (ELP) creates programming that allows students to graduate with not only a diploma from an accredited high school, but also a rich portfolio of skills for life. As a private school, we have the ability to create a dynamic schedule that would enable groups of students to be out in the community every day.

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