Welcome to the Connecticut’s Kid Governor® program!
Below are the resources and forms you will need to implement Kid Governor® in your 5th grade classroom this fall. Download the appropriate resources based on how your class is participating. To learn more about Nominating & Voting Classes vs. Voting-Only Classes, visit our How to Participate page.
Questions?
Our team is here to answer your Kid Governor® questions!
● Attend one of our 2024 Office Hours sessions on select Mondays and Tuesdays in September and October.
● Text your questions to (860) 837-0171.
● Email info@CT.KidGovernor.org.
Resources for Nominating & Voting Classes
The following are the core resources for Nominating & Voting Classes! Click the name of the resource to download it as a PDF.
Annual Startup Guide
Your first stop in preparing for the 2024-25 program with details for this year’s program, links to materials, program dates, participation tips, and more.
Toolkit for Nominating & Voting Classes
The lessons that will guide you in teaching: three branches of state government, the history/process of voting, creating and analyzing campaign platforms, the importance of civic engagement, and creating your nominee’s campaign video.
Program Overview
Breakdown of each lesson with Toolkit page numbers, estimated time required, tips, and ideas. Created by Kid Governor® teachers!
Parent-Guardian Permission Packet
A letter to go home with students for family review and permission prior to the start of the Toolkit lessons.
Download in English or Spanish.
Rules & Entry Forms
Information and required forms for nominating a student.
NOTE: These resources are provided as Adobe PDF documents. You can download Adobe’s free PDF Reader HERE.
Resources for Voting-Only Classes
The following are the core resources for Voting-Only Classes! Click the name of the resource to download it as a PDF.
Annual Startup Guide
Your first stop in preparing for the 2024-25 program with details for this year’s program, links to materials, program dates, participation tips, and more.
Toolkit for Voting-Only Classes
The lessons that will guide you in teaching: three branches of state government, the history/process of voting, analyzing campaign platforms, and the importance of civic engagement.
Program Overview
Breakdown of each lesson with Toolkit page numbers, estimated time required, tips, and ideas. Created by Kid Governor® educators!
NOTE: These resources are provided as Adobe PDF documents. You can download Adobe’s free PDF Reader HERE.
General Resources for All Classes
Getting Started: Connecticut’s Kid Governor®️ Q&A (pre-recorded)
A brief virtual presentation for teachers about the Connecticut’s Kid Governor® program, lesson plans, resources, dates, and more!
Kid Governor® Educator Workshop Series (pre-recorded)
A five-part webinar series that provides an overview and introduction to Kid Governor®, an overview of digital resources, tips for a successful campaign video, ways to participate beyond the Statewide Election, and advice from Kid Governor® educators.
Meet the Candidates Traveling Exhibit
Inspire your 5th graders to run for Kid Governor and request the Meet the Candidates traveling exhibit for your school! The exhibit highlights students who ran for Connecticut’s Kid Governor last year with a panel about each student and their selected platform. The exhibit is printed on indoor/outdoor material so schools can hang the panels inside or outside on a fence, and sanitize the panels without damaging them. There is no cost to borrow the exhibit and we will deliver it to you.
Enriching your Kid Governor® Experience
Educators across the state have developed innovative ways to enrich the Kid Governor® civics experience in their classrooms and ignite excitement in their students. If you’re looking for creative approaches to teaching the program, explore these ideas!
#CTKGvotes2024 Photo Contest
Document your election experience and share your best photos with us! Send your photos to info@kidgovernor.org or tag us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter) using @CTKidGovernor and the hashtag #CTKGvotes2024 by November 12, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. The best photo will be featured as our social media cover photo in the days leading to our announcement of the next Kid Governor!
Kid Governor® Library
The Kid Governor® Library is a curated list of civics books that enable you to link reading and civics. The books are organized into three topic areas: Government, Elections & Voting – Leadership – Civic Engagement. We also have a bonus section with books by and about Kid Governors!
Connecticut’s Kid Governor® YouTube Channel
Explore nominee and candidate videos from past Statewide Elections, recordings of past Inauguration Day events, educator resources, and a variety of other video content.
ConnecticutHistory.org and TeachItCT.org
Digital humanities projects created by CT Humanities that support teaching and learning Connecticut history.
Red, White & Blue Schools
Connecticut’s Kid Governor® aligns with Red, White & Blue Schools, a program which recognizes schools and districts who do an exceptional job teaching civic education. The program provides ideas and resources for teaching civics at every grade level and is sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of the State, The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House, and the State Department of Education.
Student Action Resource Center (SARC)
The SARC provides tips and specific ways for students to take action on issues important to them. It is a useful tool for students who create Kid Governor® platforms of their own or students who want to make a difference in their communities.