Young Voters at Play: Preschoolers Cast Ballots for Favorite PAW Patrol Character
As lawmakers were busy voting on a budget deal at the U.S. Capitol, a different kind of balloting was taking place just miles away in a sun-filled Virginia preschool classroom. The young students were tasked with choosing the best character from the popular cartoon “PAW Patrol.”
In a closely contested primary, the 3-and-4-year-olds at the ACCA Child Development Center had narrowed it down to Chase, the police German shepherd, and Skye, the helicopter-flying pup. The votes were cast with crayon signatures under the images of the two characters, resulting in a tie of five votes each.
Benejas Abeselome, aged 4, explained his choice for Chase, stating, “I wanted police because I like policing.” While these children may not be voting in real elections for years to come, preschools like ACCA are laying the groundwork for good citizenship and democratic values at an early age.
Preschools across the country are starting students early on civic education, focusing on teaching problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence, and empathy. The goal is to prepare children to be socially responsible citizens who can contribute positively to society.
Guided by early education experts, preschools like ACCA emphasize the importance of social democracy, where every voice is valued, conflicts are resolved peacefully, and kindness is paramount. By empowering children to make choices and voice their opinions, these schools are shaping future generations of civic-minded individuals.
María-Isabel Ballivian, the executive director of the preschool, highlights the importance of instilling a sense of belonging in young students, especially those from immigrant families. By teaching them about American values and democratic principles, preschools are equipping children to navigate challenges and discrimination in the future.
At ACCA, students are given autonomy to explore and learn through play, participate in decision-making processes, and have their voices heard. This nurturing environment fosters a sense of community and respect for diverse viewpoints, reinforcing the idea that every individual’s contribution matters.
As the preschoolers at ACCA concluded their voting for the best PAW Patrol character, the democratic process played out, with Skye emerging as the winner. In this small classroom election, the children learned valuable lessons about decision-making, inclusivity, and the power of their voices.
Preschools like ACCA are not just shaping young minds; they are shaping the future of democracy by instilling foundational values of respect, empathy, and civic responsibility in the leaders of tomorrow.