Dana Cooley, Media Specialist at Bennett, said that she and her assistant, Margaret Rodriguez, came up with the idea to educate students about voting. She said in addition to the presidential candidates, Rodriguez helped her decide what books and series to use based on their popularity.

Cooley said she created QR codes for the second, third, fourth and fifth graders. She said they would simply use their iPads, scan the code, and the form appears. The Pre-K, Kindergarten and first graders will vote using paper ballots.

“I set up a book display in the library and created ballot posters for visual reference,” Cooley said. “I created a resource for teachers with links to videos, ‘read alouds’, websites, books, etc., to introduce the importance of voting to their students. Many of the students have said that they watched videos, listened to ‘read alouds’ and had discussions before they came to vote.”

Cooley said the students will be able to come into the library and vote until November 3 and that they will announce the winners on November 6. She said that students have been learning all about what it means to vote.

“We discussed appropriate behavior at polling stations and privacy of a voting booth,” Cooley said. “The main purpose was for them to see the importance of being a good citizen and having a voice. We even gave them voting stickers as they left.”