Young voters at St Teresa’s Junior Primary choose new library books

In a creative fusion of literature and democracy, the Grade 3 Rosies of St Teresa’s Junior Primary School held their mock elections on May 21, as part of their annual book week, coinciding with the build-up to the South African 2024 elections.

The event aimed to teach the learners about the electoral process while selecting new additions to their library.

The idea stemmed from a desire to teach the learners about the democratic process in a fun and engaging way. Each class was tasked with voting for one out of five books, making the election a hands-on learning experience. The young voters, dressed as their favourite literary characters to cast their ballots. The exercise aimed to instil a sense of responsibility and the importance of voting from a young age.

The results saw J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series and Ann M. Martin Babysitter Club winning most votes. These books will now be added to the school library, reflecting the diverse tastes and values of the learners.

The combination of the election and character dress-up day made learning about democracy incredibly engaging. The learners were thrilled to participate, and it was wonderful to see them so enthusiastic about their choices.

As the excitement of the event settles, the learners eagerly anticipate the arrival of their new library books.
As the new books arrive, they will serve as a lasting reminder of this unique and educational experience. The initiative exemplifies how schools can creatively integrate real-world concepts into their curriculum, preparing young learners for active and informed citizenship.

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