Duck for President by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin
This story follows the tale of Duck who thinks Farmer Brown works him too hard. Believing it will be easier to run the farm than do his chores, Duck decides to run for head of the farm. He wins the election but finds running a farm much to difficult. So, he decides to run for governor and then for president of the United States! Unfortunately for Duck, each new job is harder than the previous one! Eventually, Duck decides to head back to the farm to his simple chores, after he writes his autobiography of course.
Here is a five minute video of Duck for President. It combines music, illustrations, narration, and sound effects. Take a few minutes to check it out!
Social Studies standards that can be used with this story are:
SS3CG1 The student will explain the importance of the basic principles that provide
the foundation of a republican form of government.
SS5CG1 The student will explain how a citizen’s rights are protected under the
U.S. Constitution. a. Explain the responsibilities of a citizen.
The story can be used with both social studies standards. Duck for President describes one of the major principles of a republican government which is the right to vote.
The story also shows that a citizen's right to vote is protected under the constitution even if the person they want to vote for is a duck. It also shows that a citizen should be responsible and try to be informed about their vote, since choosing a duck was probably an ill informed decision. As it turns out, Duck is bad at running a farm and being governor.
Students could hold mock elections with a few students 'running' for office. All the students could vote for their choice of candidate. This would reinforce the importance of the responsibilities of a citizen.
I enjoyed your blog. I think the activity you all chose would be great for fifth grades. The students can mock elections and practice running for office to see how presidential elections happen. Also students will understand that they can vote for whomever they would like. Lou
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading y'alls blog. I think your book was really good, and you all thought a lot about it. I like the activity you chose and how you can incorporate it with the book. Overall excellent job!
ReplyDelete-rachel
This sounds like a cute book and I can see how it can capture a 3rd or 5th graders interest with such a cute title. I like the standards that you chose to go with the book too. They fit very well with the topic. What a good idea to add a video for us too. I think this book will teach children that hard work can come with a price. They need to think of their consequences before acting quickly. It will also teach them about the daily struggles of our President. I really enjoyed reading y'alls blog.
ReplyDeleteJordan
I like how you were able to incorporate a silly book to teach not only the standards but a good lesson on contentment as well. We should learn earlier than we do to be content where we are. The grass is almost never greener on the other side.--Michaelanne
ReplyDelete