PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, next week at the National Constitution Center will figure into the lesson plans of many Philadelphia teachers.
Martin Luther King High School teacher Stephen Flemming says it will be front and center for the students in his communications class.
“I definitely will encourage them to watch — and to watch critically and to listen critically to both candidates and for us to have discussions. I’m a huge proponent of discussions,” Flemming said before participating in Monday’s Labor Day parade.
Flemming said he tells his students where the candidates stand on the issues and allows them to make up their own minds.
“I do present what the two major parties’ platforms are, and I encourage them to make a decision for themselves,” Flemming said. “I just listen. And I’ve at least taught them the art of listening and speaking and listening — not always to respond — but listen, to understand what the other person is trying to say. And to be respectful.”
Carnell Elementary School teacher Brittany Palma says she’ll ask her fifth grade social studies students to watch the debate happening in their hometown.
“They’re not old enough to actually actively vote, but they are old enough to tune in and educate themselves,” Palma said. “A lot of my students are from other countries, and now they’re acclimating to Philly. So just the fact that we are making history in Philadelphia together is very important.”
And as for fifth graders and that 9 p.m. debate start time?
“Oh, they’ll be up!” Palma said. “Their bedtime is at nine, but I doubt that many of them actually go to bed at nine. I know you’re sitting there playing video games at 10 o’clock. Tune in and watch the debate!”