Did you know America’s mice have a government with a president, congressmice and even a Squeaker of the House?
Well, maybe not, but it’s a fun way to teach children about the inner-workings of the real government.
Reading the book “House Mouse, Senate Mouse” by Peter W. Barnes and Cheryl Shaw Barnes, U.S. Rep. Mike Pence taught approximately all about how an idea from students just like them can become a law. The 35 children, ages 4 to 7, were from the United Summer Adventures Camp held at Forest Hills Elementary School in Anderson.
Before beginning the story, the congressman sat down with the children and asked them what they knew about Washington, D.C., and if they knew who worked there.
“George Washington,” responded a young boy.
“Yes, he did,” said Pence. “We even named Washington after him.”
“The president,” said another.
Pence congratulated the young man, “Very good."
Showing the students a drawing of the Capitol building printed on the back of the book, he explained where his office is located and what he does.
Moving on to the story, Pence read the rhyming lines that told the tale of one small class in Mouse-ssouri that came up with the idea to name a national cheese.
The story explained how the class wrote a letter that goes from the classroom to the mailroom of the Capitol then to the Squeaker of the House and the Mouse-jority leader where a bill is then drawn up. “Sometimes bills aren’t easy,” read Pence, explaining that not everyone always agrees. After the mice voted, American was named the national cheese.
Closing the book and placing it in his lap, Pence smiled as the children clapped. “That’s how we make a law in Congress,” he said.
During the time for questions, the children mostly asked about the pictures on the book. Explaining that the Capitol building was built in 1864, Pence gave them a short history of the structure.
After signing a picture of himself for the students to display in the office, two campers presented Pence with a book all the children helped to make for him. In the book made out of colorful construction paper, each student had written their favorite activity from the camp and made drawings depicting everything from kickball to crafts.
“I’m taking this to Washington with me,” said Pence. “It will be in my personal office and we will display it.”
Impressed with the United Summer Adventure Camp, which is a day camp for children ages 4 to 14 that runs from June 12 until Aug. 11 sponsored by Family Network Agency, United Way and the YMCA, Pence said he felt it was important to come pay a visit to the children.
“I just so appreciate programs like Summer Adventures,” he said. “It creates an opportunity for children to come to a safe, creative and productive environment. I thought the children were wonderful today, so well-behaved. I’m quite taken aback with the spirit present.”
The students were also impressed with Pence. Morgan Clarke, 6, said she learned about Washington from him and was glad he could come. “(My favorite part) was the book,” she said.
“The book was about mice in a house,” said Jeffery Davis, 6, smiling from ear to ear. He then added he had a lot of fun.
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August 1, 2006
Mouse in the House
Rep. Pence takes time to teach children about congress
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