Leadership & Elections Lessons
Second graders discussed the qualities of a strong leader and held a mock vote!
Over the last two weeks, second graders discussed where to find leaders in our communities and what qualities a strong leader should have. Some of the first leaders the students named were Ms. Williams, Head of School; Dr. Zahner, Lower School Director; and Ms. Moore, Associate Head of School. These three members of the Burke's Admin Team were invited to the classroom to share how leaders work together to create change and make decisions. Here are some of the thoughts shared during the discussions:
- Leaders Care - “Ask questions, help others, and do the things you want others to do.”
- Leaders Listen - “If you ask a question, stop talking to really hear the other person.”
- Leaders are Brave - “You have to be brave, so you can be who you really want to be, try again, learn from your mistakes, and grow.”
- Leaders are Positive - “You have to be open-minded, positivity is contagious!”
- Leaders use Teamwork - “Know how to help others, know when to make a decision but be open to hearing other perspectives.”
Finally, the students held a mock vote...for corn!
Our second-grade voters had three candidates to choose from: popcorn, caramel corn, and corn on the cob. The student voters were polled to see which option they were leaning toward and discovered that popcorn was the clear front-runner. After initial polling, the class brainstormed all the reasons why one would or would not choose each of the corn dishes. After hearing the arguments for and against each of the "candidates," the students voted again. And wouldn't you know it? Several voters were swayed by the debates!
Takeaways from these lessons include the fact that people can be leaders in many ways, big and small. Students also learned that they can change their minds once they have looked at things from another perspective and that their vote makes a difference.
Burke's mission is to educate, encourage and empower girls. Our school combines academic excellence with an appreciation for childhood so that students thrive as learners, develop a strong sense of self, contribute to community, and fulfill their potential, now and throughout life.
Burke's admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.