Mini-Lesson

Objective: Students will analyze voters' quotes.

1. Start a discussion about Super Tuesday. Tell students that voters in 24 states went to the polls on Tuesday. Point out that the presidential election is still nine months away. Ask: Why are people around the country voting now? (The Democratic and Republican parties are choosing candidates to run for President. They are holding contests in each state to determine which candidates have the most voter support.)

2. Pass out copies of the timeforkids.com news story, Super Tuesday's Super Turnout. Tell students that candidates and their advisors work hard to determine which issues are important to voters. Have students imagine that it is their job to advise one of the candidates. As they read what voters told TFK Kid Reporters in the article, encourage them to ask themselves, "What issues or ideas are important to this person?" Challenge them to keep track of trends by jotting down key words, such as change, experience and education.

3. Have students share their findings. Ask: Why is it important to hear from voters in different parts of the country? Which issues and ideas are most important to you? Do you think it is appropriate for candidates to change their priorities and speeches based on what voters care about?

4. As an extension, have students conduct interviews to find out which issues are most important to voters in their community.