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Don't Vote, Don't Complain

School: Centennial: a School for Expeditionary Learning

City/State: Denver, CO

Grade(s): 4

Format(s): Speech

Project Overview

Fourth graders at Centennial Elementary, A School for Expeditionary Learning, studied voting rights and responsibilities and the history of the women’s suffrage movement. They analyzed Susan B. Anthony's characteristics as a leader and explored how leaders of change make a difference. Now, these fourth graders are convincing the Denver community of the importance of the civic right and responsibility of voting.

This radio advertisement played on Denver Public School’s radio station as a commercial throughout the summer of 2017. Please download the file to hear the inspirational voices of these students.

This project is related to EL Education's 1st Edition Curriculum, Grade 4 Module 4: Susan B. Anthony, the Suffrage Movement, and the Importance of Voting.

How This Project Can Be Useful

  • Highlights a path to connect study in the classroom to authentic community action
  • Demonstrates how even younger students can create an effective message
  • Excellent example of young students speaking well and with conviction about their message

Relevant Resources

Common Core State Standards

Standard Long Term Learning Target
RI.4.9
  • I can accurately synthesize information from two texts on the same topic.
W.4.1
  • I can write an opinion piece that supports a point of view with reasons and information.
W.4.4
  • I can produce writing that is appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
SL.4.3
  • I can identify evidence a speaker provides to support particular points.
SL.4.4
  • I can speak clearly and at an understandable pace.
SL.4.5
  • I can add audio or visual support to a presentation in order to enhance main ideas or themes.
SL.4.6
  • I use formal English when appropriate.
L.4.1
  • I can use grammar conventions to send a clear message to a reader or listener.
L.4.3
  • I use formal English when appropriate.
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