Democracy in Action in Grade 4

By Grade 4 Teachers (Angie Bernal, Charles Franklin, Christine Scharf, Anne Tichadou)

Recently, our Grade 4 students participated in their very own elections, voting for their International Student Union (ISU) representatives. The elections are particularly meaningful because they are connected directly to our current PYP unit of inquiry, How We Organize Ourselves, in which students are exploring how governments function and how citizens contribute to their communities.

The election process provided an authentic opportunity for students to explore democracy in action, including the importance of voting, representation, leadership, and civic responsibility. Through classroom discussions, students reflected on what makes a good representative, why every voice matters, and how informed decisions can positively impact a community.

We also made a strong connection to our language learning. Students applied the persuasive writing strategies they have been developing in class to prepare their election speeches. They practiced expressing their opinions clearly, supporting their ideas with convincing reasons, and communicating their proposals to their classmates.

This experience was a great example of student agency, authentic learning, and meaningful connections across the curriculum. It allowed students to put their understanding of democratic principles into practice while developing their communication skills and demonstrating attributes of the IB Learner Profile.

This lovely opportunity showcases how learning extends beyond the classroom and empowers students to become active, thoughtful members of their school community.