Legislative Assembly

Overview

In this 45-minute lesson, Grade 3 students will explore the Legislative Assembly of Alberta—the "meeting place" where important decisions are made. Through an engaging mock assembly activity, students will experience the democratic process of debate and voting firsthand, helping them understand how laws and policies are shaped in their province.

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Alberta Curriculum Alignment

Social Studies - Grade 3
Unit 3: Exploring Alberta’s Government

• Program of Studies (2018, Revised 2021)
  • Social Studies 3.1.3: Explain the role and responsibilities of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.
  • Social Studies 3.1.4: Describe how decisions are made in a democratic government, including the roles of debate and voting.
  • Social Studies 3.2.2: Demonstrate an understanding of rules and laws and how they impact communities.

Competencies:

• Critical thinking and reasoning (understanding democratic processes)
• Communication (expressing opinions respectfully during debate)
• Collaboration (working as a group during the mock assembly)

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify the Legislative Assembly building as Alberta’s provincial government meeting place.
2. Describe the purpose of the Legislative Assembly.
3. Participate in a mock Legislative Assembly debate and vote on a simple classroom issue.
4. Explain the importance of respectful debate and voting in making decisions.

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Materials Needed

• Visuals: Photos/posters of Alberta Legislature Building
• Name tags (e.g., Speaker, Members of the Assembly)
• A simple classroom issue/topic for debate (e.g., "Should our class have longer recess?")
• Voting ballots (simple slips or coloured counters)
• Chart paper and markers
• "Debate Rules" poster (basic respectful listening and speaking guidelines)

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Lesson Procedures

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Show a large image of the Alberta Legislature Building and ask: “What kind of building do you think this is?”
• Share that this is where elected representatives meet to talk about laws and decisions that affect people in Alberta.
• Briefly explain: “The Legislative Assembly is like a big meeting for adults who work to help make rules that keep Alberta a fair and safe place.”
• Connect to students’ lives: “We also have rules here in class, right? And we sometimes vote on things. Today, we’ll pretend to be members of the Legislative Assembly!”

2. Explain Roles and Rules (5 minutes)

• Introduce roles: Speaker of the Assembly (teacher or appointed student), Members of the Assembly (students).
• Go over simple rules for debate using the "Debate Rules" poster (e.g., listen quietly when someone is speaking, raise your hand to ask questions, be respectful).
• Assign roles and distribute name tags.

3. Mock Legislative Assembly Activity (20 minutes)

• Present the classroom issue to debate (e.g., “Should we have 10 minutes more recess each day?”).
• Allow students time to think of one reason for or against the idea.
• Members take turns to share their ideas through a structured debate format led by the Speaker.
• After debate, hold a vote (using ballots or counters).
• Count votes aloud and announce the decision.

4. Reflection and Discussion (7 minutes)

• Ask questions:
  • “How did it feel to be part of the assembly?”
  • “Why is it important to listen to others’ opinions when making decisions?”
  • “What did you learn about how decisions are made in Alberta’s government?”
• Chart student reflections.

5. Closing (3 minutes)

• Summarize key points:
  • The Legislative Assembly is where laws are made in Alberta.
  • People debate and vote to decide what is best for everyone.
• Preview: Next lesson will look at the Premier and other members who help run Alberta’s government.

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Assessment

Observational & Formative:

• Teacher notes student participation and ability to take turns and listen respectfully during the mock debate.
• Listen for understanding as students explain the purpose of the Legislative Assembly during reflection.

Optional Exit Card:

• Write or draw one thing you learned today about the Legislative Assembly.

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Extension Ideas

• Create a classroom bulletin board “Our Legislative Assembly” displaying student names, roles, and decisions made.
• Invite a local government representative for a Q&A session.
• Read a children’s book about government or voting in Alberta (age-appropriate).

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Notes for Teachers

• Adapt the debate topic to suit current classroom issues and interests.
• Allow students who may be shy to contribute by preparing comments in pairs beforehand.
• Encourage use of respectful language and model patience during discussions.
• Use real Alberta government terminology to build familiarity early (e.g., MLA - Member of the Legislative Assembly).

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This lesson actively engages young learners in understanding their provincial government’s democratic process in a hands-on, memorable way — aligning tightly with Alberta’s Social Studies learning outcomes and helping develop skills beyond knowledge to include communication and participation.