Canva in Third Grade

Empowering Third Graders to Campaign for Change with Canva

Students in Ms. Sitak's grade three classroom have been learning about campaigns and elections.  Third graders took on the exciting role of running for Select Board by addressing issues important to them at school or in their town. From improving playground safety to installing sidewalks, these young leaders passionately tackled real-world problems—and Canva became their creative tool to bring their messages to life.

After discussing their campaign issues, students were tasked with designing campaign posters using Canva. This free and easy-to-use design platform allowed them to explore the world of graphic design while creating professional-quality posters. The use of Canva in this project not only made their campaigns visually engaging but also gave students hands-on experience with valuable tech skills.

Key Tech Skills Developed:

• Design Fundamentals: Students learned the importance of layout, color, and fonts in making their campaign posters visually appealing and easy to read.
• Digital Collaboration: Using Canva's drag-and-drop interface, students could experiment with templates, images, and text, gaining confidence in navigating digital tools.
• Problem-Solving: As students worked to match their poster designs to their campaign message, they practiced creative thinking to ensure their visuals aligned with their persuasive speeches.
• Basic Digital Literacy: From resizing images to layering text, students enhanced their understanding of basic design software functions that will be useful in many future projects.

By integrating Canva into this project, students didn't just deliver speeches—they became graphic designers and campaign strategists, learning how to use technology to communicate ideas effectively. This experience not only nurtured their confidence but also prepared them for future digital projects, building a foundation for creativity and tech-savviness.

The lesson was a perfect blend of civic engagement and digital learning, helping our third graders realize that they have the power to influence change—both with their voices and their designs!

Technology Essential QuestionsHow does incorporating platforms like Canva into outdoor education initiatives enhance students' learning experiences and prepare them for the digital landscape of the future?What are some of the key benefits of utilizing technology, such as Canva, in interdisciplinary projects like creating campaign posters, to spark creativity and collaboration among elementary students?
2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework