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Students from Norman’s Jefferson Elementary School debate and vote on mock legislation as part of Sen. Rob Standridge’s “Senator or a Day” program.
‘Senator for a Day’ program continues to engage young minds
Students from Norman’s Jefferson Elementary School debate and vote on mock legislation as part of Sen. Rob Standridge’s “Senator or a Day” program.
For the past three years, State Sen. Rob Standridge has been welcoming Norman area students to the Capitol for a first-hand experience aimed at teaching them about the legislative process. This past week students from Jefferson Elementary were the latest to find out what it’s like to propose a bill and move it through the Legislature.
Standridge, R-Norman, came up with the idea for the “Senator for a Day” program when his daughter was in the fourth-grade—her class was the first to come to the Capitol to see what it’s like to be a member of the State Senate. Since then, Standridge has welcomed students from about half a dozen area schools to participate in mock debates and votes on proposed legislation.
“The kids come up with an idea they’d like to pursue, like giving students an extra 20 minutes of recess every day or banning home work,” Standridge said. “We walk them through the rules and protocol they must follow, just as if they were actually members of the Senate, then they debate and vote on their bill. Without fail, the kids really ask thoughtful questions and make good arguments, and when they’re done, they really have a good understanding of the legislative process and what it is a member of the Legislature does.”
Not only does the program teach students an important lesson in civics and government, but it may also help inspire the next generation of office-holders.
“I had one child come up to me after we completed the mock session and she told me she wanted to be in the Senate one day. That’s really gratifying,”
Standridge said. “Anything we can do to help inspire children to become active participants in their government is good for Oklahoma.”
Dana Stair is the Gifted Resources Coordinator at Jefferson Elementary. She also sees long-term benefits from the program.
”The kids learned so much and will remember their visit forever. By giving them a look at how government works, they may stay interested and educated and will be involved in the process.”
Standridge, R-Norman, came up with the idea for the “Senator for a Day” program when his daughter was in the fourth-grade—her class was the first to come to the Capitol to see what it’s like to be a member of the State Senate. Since then, Standridge has welcomed students from about half a dozen area schools to participate in mock debates and votes on proposed legislation.
“The kids come up with an idea they’d like to pursue, like giving students an extra 20 minutes of recess every day or banning home work,” Standridge said. “We walk them through the rules and protocol they must follow, just as if they were actually members of the Senate, then they debate and vote on their bill. Without fail, the kids really ask thoughtful questions and make good arguments, and when they’re done, they really have a good understanding of the legislative process and what it is a member of the Legislature does.”
Not only does the program teach students an important lesson in civics and government, but it may also help inspire the next generation of office-holders.
“I had one child come up to me after we completed the mock session and she told me she wanted to be in the Senate one day. That’s really gratifying,”
Standridge said. “Anything we can do to help inspire children to become active participants in their government is good for Oklahoma.”
Dana Stair is the Gifted Resources Coordinator at Jefferson Elementary. She also sees long-term benefits from the program.
”The kids learned so much and will remember their visit forever. By giving them a look at how government works, they may stay interested and educated and will be involved in the process.”
Contact info
: Sen. Rob Standridge at 405-521-5535, or email Rob.Standridge@oksenate.gov
