How a Preschool Uses PAW Patrol to Teach Democracy

ANNANDALE, Va. (AP) — As lawmakers at the U.S. Capitol voted on a budget deal, a different kind of vote was taking place a dozen miles away in a sun-drenched Virginia preschool classroom. At stake: Which animated dog was the best character in the animated film “PAW Patrol”.

In a heated primary, the three- and four-year-old students in Room 14 of the ACCA Child Development Center had narrowed the decision down to two finalists: Chase, a German Shepherd who wears a police uniform, and Skye, who is the pink “puppy pack.” very popular with the girls in the class. The children cast their vote by scribbling their names in colored pencil under the pictures of the two characters. In the morning it was a dead heat: five votes to five.

Benejas Abeselome, 4, put his name down for Chase.

“The police take bad guys,” Benejas said. “I wanted police because I like police work.”

It will be years before these young people participate in a real election, but ACCA is one of many preschools across the country that have exposed their students to civics at an early age. The goal is to raise good citizens and strengthen democracy.

At this age, children don’t learn about the three branches of government or how a bill becomes a law. Teachers work with them on how to resolve problems with classmates, how to deal with anger or disappointment without being hurtful, and how to think about the needs of others. Teachers say it can be difficult to learn lessons from adult politicians — especially during a inflammatory campaign season.

“We are all here to help develop these children into better citizens … better problem solvers and more socially and emotionally equipped,” said Mary Folks, a teacher at the school. “Because once they get a handle on that, I feel like the things they achieve and do will have a greater impact on this world.”

The most important civic lesson preschools can teach is “social democracy,” said Dan Gartrell, an early education expert. His book “Education for a Civil Society,” about educating preschool children about democracy, is used by ACCA and other preschools.

It “starts with recognizing each member of the group as a worthy member and as worthy of expressing thoughts and ideas,” Gartrell said. From there, he said, children can learn to be kind to their peers, resolve conflicts and navigate difficult situations without using hurtful words.

Engaging with young children in a way that makes them feel like their voice matters is important foundational work, said Rachel Robertson, the chief scientific officer of Bright Horizons, which operates more than 1,000 preschool centers worldwide and promotes democratic ideals in its represents an early childhood approach.

Around age 3 or 4, a child begins to “become a real member of the community, contribute to the classroom community and think a little more broadly about the world,” Robertson said.

At ACCA, as in many preschools, young people are given a lot of autonomy. There are hours dedicated to free play. Kids can vote on what they learn and eat: One classroom had just finished sand learning because kids were curious about it after summer beach trips. And students can taste apples and vote on which variety the school will order.