President's Day happens the third Monday of February, every year. It also just so happens to be the anniversary of President George Washington's birthday, too! This is one of my favorite topics to teach in class and here are five special books I use to teach President's in my classroom (and home). PLUS, read through to the end for a FREE Characteristics of a President activity.
Who Is Barack Obama?
BY ROBERTA EDWARDS
If you have never heard of these books before, well, I just don't think that is possible. These are some of my favorite go-to books when we are researching and writing biographies. It should come as no surprise that I was more than happy to get my hands on this Barack Obama book, and President Lincoln is right behind him. Chalked full of biography details, timelines, and critical points leading up to and during their presidency, these books are a must-have for a President's Day discussion.
John, Paul, George & Ben
BY LANE SMITH
Most notably, I originally purchased this book because I recognized the name of two of the Beatles. It got me thinking, could they have been named after a few founding fathers? This book has incredible graphics and illustrations. It follows these four young men and the trials and troubles they get into as young lads. However, the ending is most important for our country's foundation.
U.S. Presidents: The Oval Office All-Stars
BY DAN GREEN
This book was a big hit when I originally introduced it to my classroom. They couldn't wait to get their hands on the fold-out poster included. We had to hang in the classroom and refer to it periodically (which I didn't mind). Every single president is included in this book, as well as short biographies about their time in office. The cartoon illustrations are fun and the facts are well-stated.
Books About Becoming President
You may also find yourself with mentor texts or stories where the main character wants to become a president or has aspirations. These are great supplementary books to use in conjunction with President's Day. Discussing the requirements, skills, traits, and more needed to be president has to start somewhere. Click on either picture below to see more!
How Can You Continue To Discuss President's Day In Your Classroom?
Even after we read one of these books in class, sometimes more than one, we discuss character traits needed or feelings afterward. We may use one or more of the stories to help with our weekly writing prompts. Each student gets a copy of a preselected prompt and gets to reflect using what they know or have learned.
Time to learn about presidents or characters who want to be president! Use this Characteristics of a President graphic organizer to help continue the discussion in your class! YOu can also find more activities here.
How do you discuss President's Day in your classroom? What are your favorite mentor texts? Let me know in the comments.
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One Response
My students are always interested in the presidents. I often read John, Paul, George & Ben to them. It goes along with our standards, they get a kick out of it, and they learn something about a couple of future presidents in the process.