Education Commons^™

Scaffolding Classroom Discourse In An Election Year: Keeping A Cool Mood In A Heated Season, Wayne Journell, Laura A. May, Vera L. Stenhouse, Laura E. Meyers, Teri Holbrook

Early Childhood and Elementary Education Faculty Publications

Certainly, teaching about politics can be daunting, especially as the political climate in the United States becomes increasingly partisan as a result of heated political rhetoric amplified through a variety of media outlets. However, elementary teachers can help students develop the respectful dispositions they will need as young adults living in an increasingly pluralistic society. These dispositions can be fostered only if teachers are willing to engage their young learners in discussions of politics as part of the curriculum. In this article, the authors discuss ways in which teachers can promote political tolerance and respect during coverage of a presidential …