With the presidential election slated for Nov. 2 and all parties swinging into action after their national conventions, this is an excellent time to teach about propaganda. This lesson can help students understand others, see through advertisement, and learn how uninformed people can be swayed.

Having students bring to school and share types of propaganda is a hoot and makes for some great debates. Remember the most vital element in this learning is to encourage the student to make decisions based on facts.

To begin, Reach Every Child has excellent resources on government:
REC Social Studies, Civics -- Voting
REC Social Studies, Government

• Advocacy
• Helpful resources
• Presidential election resources

Advocacy

Letter Writing
How to write letters to the President and other leaders -- an excellent guide for younger children

REC Social Studies, World Leaders
Address of all world leaders and more

Helpful resources

By the People: Election 2004
Here is an excellent PBS site to start with. Find out how to dissect an ad, interpret a debate, analyze a poll, view news critically and more.

Congresslink
Lesson plans about elections

Directory of U.S. Political Parties
This is sure to get your students' attention and makes for some excellent compare-and-contrast debates. Regardless, go here and see what makes this country great.

Nazi Propaganda
Examples of anti-Semitic propaganda

Participation in the Political Process
This great website for all grade levels contains links to political and interest groups and more. Get lessons by grade level, too.

Propaganda Student Handout
Easy-to-understand handout on types of propaganda

Propaganda Techniques
Mr. Donn does an excellent job and includes some self-tests.

The Role of Media in Elections
Get data about media, propaganda and elections -- quite full.

The :30 Second Candidate
Examples of propaganda in political ads

Presidential election resources

American Presidents Archive
C-Span site -- this has videos.

National Student Parent Mock Election
With the election coming soon, you should check out these sites for ways to get your student or child involved.

Presidential Campaign Slogan Quiz

Presidents of the United States
Here is a fun site with a list of presidential trivia students can use to make propaganda posters for and against various presidents.

Project Vote Smart

U.S. Presidential Elections