Presidents Day Lessons for the Classroom
. Posted in Teachers
Presidents Day, officially Washington’s Birthday, is a holiday in the United States celebrated on the third Monday of February. It is often celebrated to honor all those who served as presidents of the United States and, since 1879, has been the federal holiday honoring Founding Father George Washington. Washington led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War, presided at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and served as the first U.S. president from 1789 to 1797. Here are some great civics activities and other lessons for the classroom from iCivics Education that would be great for Presidents Day.
1. Play “Brief the Chief.” Simplify Presidents Day planning by putting students into the shoes of presidential advisors. While playing Brief the Chief, your students will conduct interviews within the White House, helping Presidents Lincoln, Jefferson, and Johnson make decisions on landmark historical events. Should LBJ run for a second term? How might President Lincoln respond to the situation at Ft. Sumter? What can President Jefferson do about the Port of New Orleans? Your students will take on the job of advising the president through historical events and challenges by talking to people in and around the White House. Consult with confidants within the White House and use evidence-based reasoning to provide a presidential briefing. To learn more, click here.
2. Meet the First Presidents. What better place to start than with some of the nation’s very first presidents? Introduce students to the presidents who paved the way for the country. From presiding over the Constitutional Convention to setting the standard for the American presidency, Washington led the way. Jefferson’s political life influenced the country in many ways, from the founding documents to the shape of our nation on the map. Madison advocated for a strong national government, yet fought for the addition of a federal bill of rights, resulting in the blueprint for government that we use to this day.
3. Explore the Role of the President. Teach students how presidents are elected, the president’s responsibilities, and what it takes to run for president.
- Constitution EXPLAINED: Who Chooses the President? Article II of the U.S. Constitution creates the office of the President, determines how they are selected, and states the oath of office.
- Constitution EXPLAINED: The Presidency Changes. Explore how the 20th, 22nd, and 25th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution affected the office of the president.
- For The President, All In A Day’s Work. Students learn the primary responsibilities of the president and how those duties connect to the powers the Constitution grants to the Executive Branch.
- Running for President Infographic. In this printable infographic, your students will see the requirements to run for president, how candidates prepare, and the hurdles they have to overcome to make it to Inauguration Day.
Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services