It's not AIBU but I can't decide what I think.....
DD (10) just stood for school council elections and was thrilled to be elected. There were about double the number of candidates as posts, and they all had to write (with help) a manifesto and stand up in front of the whole school and read it out. The school then voted by ticking (max number of posts) names in all the boxes on a voting slip.
I'm all for children understanding how voting works, and also for not always winning - but I did feel conflicted about the children who weren't successful. Firstly - it must feel to them (and is, basically...) a popularity contest. Some of the unsuccessful children might have been far better councillors, but kids will vote for their friends, and the young ones will choose the ones they think they liked best. So those who didn't get the votes are bound to feel unpopular. 10 is a really sensitive age for friendship issues and I really felt for them.
Also - there were a couple of children with additional needs who may (or may not..?) realise they aren't especially popular due to issues with social skills, but perhaps felt they would be good councillors and would be judged on that. I feel so gutted for them for having the courage to put themselves forward, when any adult could have guessed they were unlikely to succeed. It could be really damaging for them going forwards, as well as being seen by them as 'unfair' now.
I can't decide if I think this is a good learning experience for the children, or not. Any thoughts?
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School council elections
23 replies
lunchboxloony · 18/07/2018 00:52
OP posts:
TheCakeCrusader ·
18/07/2018 11:50
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