Overview
Election Day is an important event in American society because it is an expression of many American values such as liberty and democracy. It occurs on the first Tuesday in November (but never on November 1st).
In the United States, the presidential elections are held every four years, while elections for Congress are held every two years. Many state and local government officials are also elected on this date.
The next presidential elections are scheduled for Tuesday, November 6th, 2012.
Classroom Activities
Presidential Oath
Read the U.S. presidential oath of office with your students and discuss its vocabulary and main concepts, such as the values, responsibilities, and roles it promotes. Have students give examples of the responsibilities of the president (e.g. how can the president protect the Constitution?).
Then, using the oath as a template, ask students to prepare their own oaths and recite them in front of the class. This activity can be implemented with individual students or as a group-work activity.
Past U.S. presidents
Ask students to research one of the past U.S. presidents featured on the Smithsonian Institution website (for beginners) or on the White House website (for advanced learners), focusing on significant achievements or challenges while in office. Have students prepare a short presentation, summarizing what they learned about the person and the presidency.
Social Media Activities
Share your culture on Facebook
Participate in this conversation by sharing your country's process with other teachers and learners. Visit the Access Facebook page to post about your culture and learn from others about their culture. Here are a couple of topics to get the conversation started:
- How is the U.S. election process similar to or different than that of where you live?
- How are leaders selected where you live?
New Year's
The Olympics
Learn about The Olympics and download activities and lesson plans for your classroom. Learn more.
Read Across America Day
Learn more about Read Across America, plus get classroom activities and downloads. Read more.
International Women's Day
Learn more about International Women's Day and how its honored in the United States. Read More
World Red Cross Day
Learn about the history of World Red Cross Day and get classroom activity ideas for students. Read More
Mother's Day
On the second Sunday in May, Americans have an extra-special day to celebrate all the hard work mothers do every day - Mother's Day. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Mother's day. Learn more about Mother's day!
World Oceans Day
On June 8, join millions of people around the world in celebrating World Oceans Day. Last year, people across the planet organized over 600 events to celebrate, and this year even more events are being planned both locally and globally.
Get classroom activity ideas, complete with full lesson plans and downloadable content to use in your classroom.
Flag Day
Learn about Flag Day in the United States and get classroom activity ideas for students. Read More
Back to School, International Literacy Day, and Banned Books Week
September is an important month for American schools, students, and teachers. This is the time when the school year begins. Back to School means that students turn their attention from summer vacation and playing outside to studying subjects, like reading and writing, at school. Read more.
U.S. Elections
Discover how Americans elect their president and how the U.S. elections process works. Read More
International Day of Friendship
Friends make us laugh, they support us during difficult times, and, as Henry Ford suggests, they can challenge us to grow and become better people. Celebrate the positive power of these relationships on July 30th – the International Day of Friendship!