Discovery Education, whose mission is to provide high-quality teaching and learning experiences, sparked children’s creativity through its “Propose a Law” contest, where interested Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupils had the opportunity to imagine and create a law to improve the country. Year 5 student, Lucy Silvester, from Firside Junior School was selected for the unique opportunity to speak with lawmakers at the Houses of Parliament based on her entry which would require adults to celebrate their children one day out of the year.
“Adults are too focused on work and don’t spend enough time with their kids, so imagine if there was a kids’ day where all parents had to spend time with their children,” explains Lucy in her contest entry. “Children’s day would take place on the first of August every year, and all kids would get to choose what to do on that day, such as go to the park or go on a bike ride. It isn’t about expensive gifts, just about having fun.”
According to Lucy, the “Children’s Day” law is significant because she feels adults are too distracted by technology and work. This day would provide parents with a day to relax and celebrate their family.
To prepare for the competition, Discovery Education selected resources from within Discovery Education Espresso for teachers and students to use as inspiration. Resources included historical information about Parliament and how laws are made, as well as persuasive argument writing activities.
Vicky Cottrill, Head of Primary Content at Discovery Education, comments, “Discovery Education is committed to creating engaging and thought-provoking learning experiences for students. This competition was designed to inspire teachers and pupils to have lively and provocative discussions, as well as to think critically about the law’s importance and its effect on historical and current events. By proposing a law, pupils are encouraged to think about their influence on democracy and the significance of being an involved, knowledgeable citizen, since they are the world’s future leaders.”
Lucy’s winning law was announced in News Bites, Discovery Education Espresso’s weekly, current events bulletin for subscribing primary schools. The winning entry will also be featured in Discovery Education Espresso’s Democracy and elections resource collection.
Lucy, four of her classmates, and two adults will be attending Parliament on 20 July 2015 for an hour-long, guided tour, as well as the opportunity to propose Lucy’s ”Children’s Day” law to a panel of MPs.
