The Providence Children's Museum is hosting a unique and engaging civic exercise, inviting young visitors to cast their votes for their favorite stuffed animal candidate. This "Kid's Decision 2024" election will determine which plush toy will join the museum's gift shop shelves, offering children a hands-on experience in the democratic process.

Empowering the Next Generation of Voters

Civic Engagement Takes Center Stage

The Providence Children's Museum has transformed its Maker Studio into a vibrant polling place, complete with a red, white, and blue ballot box, voting booths, and Crayola markers. This simulated election experience allows children to actively participate in the democratic process, casting their votes for one of three plush toy candidates: Chicken, Frog, or Fox."The best toys are tools," said Andrew Leveillee, the museum's director of education. "And that's why we try to mirror this as the actual voting process that adults are able to participate in." This exercise not only teaches children about the importance of civic engagement but also acknowledges their sophistication and the weight of the choices they make.

Crafting Campaigns, Inspiring Creativity

The museum has gone all-out in creating a vibrant and engaging election experience. Glossy campaign posters highlight the unique qualities of each plush toy candidate, from the "egg-cellent" Chicken to the promise-making Frog and the straightforward Fox. These creative materials help children understand the candidates and make informed decisions.Stephanie Cramer, the museum's education program coordinator, has designed the majority of the campaign posters and curated a selection of "I Voted" stickers to inspire kids to make their own designs as part of the "Kid's Decision 2024" initiative. The Maker Studio is filled with wooden trays of colored pencils, inviting young voters to unleash their creativity and express their support for their preferred candidate.

A Tight Race and Unexpected Outcomes

As of Thursday, October 31, 2024, the museum had already recorded around 200 votes, with the race described as "very tight" by Leveillee. Based on the morning's sample, Frog may need a strong leap to catch up to the other candidates, but the museum staff emphasizes that anything can happen by Election Day."The race is very tight as we speak," Leveillee revealed. "We have daily internal updates and polls and tracking." This close competition reflects the genuine interest and engagement of the young voters, who are taking their civic responsibilities seriously.

Celebrating the Power of Choice

The museum's "Kid's Decision 2024" election is more than just a fun activity; it's a meaningful exercise in empowering children to make their voices heard. As Victoria Picinich, the museum's director of development and external relations, explains, "Especially the littles under the age of five, they're not going to know the difference between a candidate versus a different candidate. But they do understand what they like better: A fox, a chicken or a frog, and why that's important."By allowing children to choose their preferred plush toy candidate, the museum is fostering a sense of agency and the understanding that their votes matter. This experience will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the young participants, inspiring them to continue engaging in the democratic process as they grow older.

A Celebration of Civic Participation

The Providence Children's Museum's "Kid's Decision 2024" election is a remarkable example of how educational institutions can bridge the gap between the complexities of the political landscape and the understanding of young minds. By creating a fun and engaging simulation, the museum is empowering children to explore the principles of democracy, the power of choice, and the importance of civic engagement.As the museum prepares to announce the election results on November 6, 2024, the day after the presidential election, the anticipation and excitement among the young voters are palpable. This unique event not only celebrates the creativity and imagination of children but also serves as a testament to the museum's commitment to fostering a new generation of engaged and informed citizens.