Democracy in Action in Elementary School

Do you want to help children grow up to be ready to participate in a democratic society? If so, this online professional development experience is for you!

To be clear, this isn’t about teaching civics to children. You won’t learn how to set up the branches of government or vote for a class president in this course. This isn’t about how to teach a unit on American government. Instead, you’ll learn how to infuse the principles of a democracy into everyday teaching and learning. This is about helping children experience what it feels like to be in a democratic community so that they can practice the mindsets and acquire the ideals needed to be active citizens as they grow up. As an added bonus, these strategies will also help you create the kind of learning community where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally through all areas of the curriculum.

This course is organized around five key democratic principles–ones that are fundamental to a democratic society as well as a vibrant elementary school learning experience:

• Belonging: People must know that they are a valued member of a society. It is through feeling accepted as a part of a group that one feels responsibility to that group.
• Voice: People must feel a sense of agency. They must feel empowered to share their views and have a hand in shaping the community in which they live.
• Equity: All people must have access to resources and opportunities so they can reach for their dreams.
• Responsibility: With group membership, power, and access also comes responsibility to the group. People must balance their own needs with the greater good.
• Civil Discourse: People need the skills to communicate effectively, to share their opinions, listen to others, and come to reasoned decisions for the good of all.

You should also know, before you go any further, that this isn’t a course with quizzes, tests, required writing assignments, or other accountability measures. This course is about learning for the sake of supporting our students and helping them grow into responsible and engaged members of their communities. There is a lot packed into this course, so you’ll likely want to spend more time on some elements and less on others. It will probably take about 3-6 hours to complete.

* If you are a school/district leader and are interested in learning more about this course or are interested in discussing a group discount, email Mike Anderson at mike@leadinggreatlearning.com.