Miss Prez

Last Friday Lauryn came running out of school, so excited to tell me that she was nominated for President of her classroom. Long story short...they are studying about presidents this week and her student teacher has organized a class election. Four students were nominated. They achieved this by having their name drawn out of the bucket. :)

In some ways I'm afraid they are just a little young for this type of activity. I love that they are learning about democracy and the election process...never too early for that. But I just worry about them not understanding that it isn't (or shouldn't be) a popularity contest. We have already had to discuss that the odds of NOBODY voting for her are very low, and that if she doesn't win it doesn't mean that people don't like her. And I'm not even sure what the job description of a 1st Grade Class President would look like, if I'm being honest.

Of course, we have already encountered the expected election drama. One girl in her class (who was also "nominated") has gone around telling everyone that if they don't vote for her she won't ever speak to them again and won't be their friend. Although it's nothing new because she says things like that to the other girls pretty much on a daily basis. I can't believe we are dealing with this in first grade, but it's the sad truth. I hate that my sweet, sheltered little girl has to face up to bullies even at this age.

But...it's a good opportunity to teach her about character and being an example of Jesus to others by being honest, kind, friendly, and forgiving.

I won't mention the things *I* would like to say to that kid.

At any rate, we've got our head in the game and are moving full speed ahead on the election this Friday. Lauryn worked hard on her poster and did all of the writing (and spelling!) herself:


We will be working on her speech, which she will read to the class Friday afternoon. I will definitely have my video camera ready for that one :)

Wish her luck!