This fall is election time in Ontario, and these sites get our vote for useful resources to help you instruct your students on the election process and democracy. For additional resources visit NetWatch at professionallyspeaking.oct.ca. For past editions and additional sites for other topics, click on back issues ➔ Netwatch Archives.
by Greg Enright
Making elections come alive
Learning resources
In-depth election info
Head to the site's information-rich Learning Resources section (Voters ➔ Young Voters ➔ Learning Resources) and click on Resources for Teachers. Download or view the Canada at the Polls! kit for tips on everything from election basics to how to stage a mock election in your classroom. It's easy to devote lots of (well-spent) time to this impressive site.
Elections with an edge
Democracy can be cool
Get your students in the voting spirit with this edgy site containing lesson plans that focus on understanding the parliamentary system, voting rights and the expansion of those rights in Canada over time. A heavy focus on music and artists should make the site a hit with students, too.
Making it real
Mock it up
This non-profit organization sends out materials such as activity ideas, campaign posters and ballot boxes to help schools follow an election campaign and run their own mock election. Hurry! The deadline to register for the Ontario election is September 21.
Democracy
Going global
This open blog allows students and teachers to submit stories about global issues. Many of the entries highlight the push for democracy throughout the world. They can be used as discussion topics to help students put the political freedom enjoyed in Canada in perspective.
Downloads and games
Get your ballots
In the Elections theme unit in the Directory section (Popular Categories ➔ Theme Units ➔ Elections) you'll find numerous downloadable resources to use in a mock election, including ballots, candidate comparison sheets, and word scrambles and crosswords. Other resources are available for those who sign up for a membership (US$39.99 per year).
PBS Teachers - Thematic Teaching - Democracy around the World - Activity Ideas
Teachers Institute on Canadian Parliamentary Democracy
Teacher Guide To Elections and Voting - Lesson Plans, Worksheets
