**Teacher's Take: Post-Election Classroom Talk**

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Post on Nov 05, 2024

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Teacher's Take: Post-Election Classroom Talk

The dust has settled, the votes are counted, and a new chapter begins. As educators, we face the reality of navigating post-election classroom talk with students of all ages and backgrounds. This can be a sensitive topic, but it's also an opportunity to foster critical thinking, empathy, and civic engagement. Here's a guide to help you navigate this complex terrain:

Acknowledge the Moment

Don't shy away from the elephant in the room. Begin by acknowledging the election and the emotions it may evoke. This creates a safe space for open discussion and allows students to process their feelings.

Sample opening: "I know that the recent election might be on everyone's minds, and it's okay to feel a range of emotions about it. We're going to take some time today to talk about it in a respectful and thoughtful way."

Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome

While it's natural to discuss the outcome, shift the focus to the democratic process itself. Discuss the importance of voting, the roles of different political parties, and the ways in which citizens can participate in their government.

Example: "We can learn a lot from elections, even if we don't get the outcome we hoped for. Let's discuss the importance of civic engagement and the different ways people can make their voices heard."

Encourage Critical Thinking and Respectful Dialogue

Create a space where students can share their perspectives without fear of judgment. Facilitate discussions that promote critical thinking about different viewpoints, encouraging respectful communication and active listening.

Tips:

• Set ground rules: Establish clear expectations for respectful dialogue, including avoiding personal attacks and interrupting others.
• Use open-ended questions: Encourage students to think critically by asking questions that don't have simple yes/no answers.
• Model respectful disagreement: Demonstrate how to disagree with someone's opinion without being disrespectful.
• Acknowledge emotions: Validate student emotions, even if you don't agree with their views.

Connect to the Curriculum

Weave the discussion into relevant curriculum topics. If you're teaching history, discuss past elections and their impact on society. If you're teaching literature, explore themes of power, justice, and social change.

Example: If you're teaching about the American Revolution, you can discuss how the election results may relate to issues of democracy, freedom, and representation.

Use Authentic Materials

Utilize real-world news sources, election data, and political cartoons to spark discussions and encourage critical analysis. This helps students engage with the topic in a tangible way.

Example: Show a political cartoon that satirizes a particular issue and ask students to analyze its message and how it reflects the current political climate.

Be Mindful of Your Own Biases

It's crucial to acknowledge your own political views and biases. Strive to remain neutral and objective in facilitating discussions. Focus on facilitating the exchange of ideas rather than advocating for any particular viewpoint.

Example: If a student expresses a strong opinion, you can acknowledge it without agreeing or disagreeing. You might say, "That's an interesting perspective. What are some of the arguments that support that viewpoint?"

Remember: It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Post-election discussions are not a one-time event. They provide an ongoing opportunity to engage students in critical thinking, civic discourse, and social-emotional learning. Continue to weave these conversations into your curriculum throughout the year.

By approaching post-election classroom talk with sensitivity, respect, and a commitment to critical thinking, you can create a learning environment that fosters informed and engaged citizens.