Celebrating Presidents' Day doesn't have to be just for the younger grades. Take this opportunity to infuse valuable character education lessons from Presidents Washington and Lincoln; two of our most revered presidents. Today I'm going to share some of my favorite read-alouds, websites, and resources to help your students realize the leadership qualities they have inside them.
Note: This post may contain Amazon affiliate links which help support and maintain this website, at no cost to you.
Abraham Lincoln was a leader in the fight to abolish slavery. Here are some books to help your students learn about how he persevered in that struggle.
2) Abraham Lincoln: Addressing a Nation by Torrey Maloof uses both illustrations and actual photos to highlight Abe's childhood and path to becoming one of the most influential presidents of the United States.
3) Abraham Lincoln For Kids: His Life and Times With 21 Activities by Janis Herbert will not only provide timelines and biographical information about Lincoln's life, but also hands-on crafts to help your students recreate items related to Abe such as a log cabin, or sewing a carpet bag (which could easily be done in the classroom with felt pieces).
4) DK Biography: Abraham Lincoln by Tanya Lee Stone presents lots of detailed photographs and factual information for your higher leveled readers. Students will learn of his early days, his involvement in the Civil War, and his presidential win with a divided nation.
5) Meet Abraham Lincoln by Barbara Cary is an easy read with simple illustrations and tons of details about Lincoln's childhood, early years as a lawyer, struggles with the issue of slavery, and presidential campaign.
1) With beautiful illustrations and short prose, George: George Washington Our Founding Father by Frank Keating is a simple introduction to George Washington's life and legacy. It is a quick read that will make remembering the details easy.
2) Your students will enjoy making crafts related to this president in George Washington For Kids: His Life and Times With 21 Activities by Janis Herbert. Playing quoits, identifying animal tracks, or writing a letter with a quill pen are just a few of the activities in this book.
3) I Am George Washington #5 by Grace Norwich is a short chapter book that takes a closer look at George's upbringing and his leadership in forming the founding principles of our nation.
4) Short biographies of the presidents with funny anecdotes and how each leader spent his time in the White House, is what you'll learn in the book, I Grew Up To Be President by Laurie Caulkhoven. This will be a favorite for your struggling readers to gather facts about the presidents.
5) Presidents Of the United States by Time For Kids will give your students an overview of the branches of government, how elections work, and biographies of each of the presidents.
1) Abe's Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln (Big Words) by Doreen Rappaport is a beautifully illustrated look at Abe's simple upbringing and rise to national fame in his fight to overcome slavery. By the same author as the bestseller Martin's Big Words, your students are sure to love this masterpiece.
2) Abraham Lincoln: Addressing a Nation by Torrey Maloof uses both illustrations and actual photos to highlight Abe's childhood and path to becoming one of the most influential presidents of the United States.
3) Abraham Lincoln For Kids: His Life and Times With 21 Activities by Janis Herbert will not only provide timelines and biographical information about Lincoln's life, but also hands-on crafts to help your students recreate items related to Abe such as a log cabin, or sewing a carpet bag (which could easily be done in the classroom with felt pieces).
4) DK Biography: Abraham Lincoln by Tanya Lee Stone presents lots of detailed photographs and factual information for your higher leveled readers. Students will learn of his early days, his involvement in the Civil War, and his presidential win with a divided nation.
5) Meet Abraham Lincoln by Barbara Cary is an easy read with simple illustrations and tons of details about Lincoln's childhood, early years as a lawyer, struggles with the issue of slavery, and presidential campaign.
George Washington was the first elected leader of our great nation. His bravery and dedication to the job would create a positive example for future presidents. Check out these read alouds to explore his different leadership qualities.
1) With beautiful illustrations and short prose, George: George Washington Our Founding Father by Frank Keating is a simple introduction to George Washington's life and legacy. It is a quick read that will make remembering the details easy.
2) Your students will enjoy making crafts related to this president in George Washington For Kids: His Life and Times With 21 Activities by Janis Herbert. Playing quoits, identifying animal tracks, or writing a letter with a quill pen are just a few of the activities in this book.
3) I Am George Washington #5 by Grace Norwich is a short chapter book that takes a closer look at George's upbringing and his leadership in forming the founding principles of our nation.
4) Short biographies of the presidents with funny anecdotes and how each leader spent his time in the White House, is what you'll learn in the book, I Grew Up To Be President by Laurie Caulkhoven. This will be a favorite for your struggling readers to gather facts about the presidents.
5) Presidents Of the United States by Time For Kids will give your students an overview of the branches of government, how elections work, and biographies of each of the presidents.
Looking to incorporate technology into your Presidents' Day lessons? Check out these websites that are part fact-finding, part games, and part critical thinking.
So what should your students do with all of their new-found knowledge of these magnificent leaders? Try some of these projects to put their knowledge to the test.
1) Interview: Have your students interview a family member about his/her favorite president. What made this president so memorable? What events were the most challenging during his presidency? What were this president's best leadership qualities, or greatest achievements? Grab the FREE graphic organizers for this project here.
2) Quote Posters: Find examples of inspirational quotes by either president. Have students illustrate the quotes on poster paper and explain what the quotes mean to them. Why do they think each president said the quote? Why would it have made sense for the president to have said it during that time period?
3) "I Am A Leader" Writing Project
I love how this project helps students realize they themselves are leaders just like these famous presidents. When researching what made these men great leaders, the kids then compare their leadership skills with either President Lincoln or Washington. It makes a great bulletin board for the month of February! Click on the picture to find out more.
How do you help your students celebrate these great leaders on Presidents' Day? I hope you've found a few new ideas to add to your list. Happy teaching!
