Our Favorite Ways to Learn About the Presidents

My favorite President’s Day celebration was one that I coordinated with our local homeschool co-op. The director of the homeschool choir had her students learn several patriotic tunes. Other students memorized poems about American history. We had students recite parts of the Declaration of Independence, the Preamble to the United States Constitution, and the Gettysburg Address.  One of our larger families created a patriotic drama.  We all met at our city’s Veteran’s home and performed for the residents.  It was a great way for the kids to learn to honor those that have fought for our country.  Another activity that we have enjoyed is making cut out sugar cookies in the shapes of stars.  We decorate them with red, white, and blue frosting and then sprinkle them with colored sugar.  A red, white, and blue cookie delivered by a child always brings a smile to a former service member’s face!

Heather:

We teach about the presidents all year round! Two years ago, I requested a FREE giant American Presidents Timeline from C-Span, and promptly hung it on our school room wall. All my kids, from the high schooler down to the 2nd grader, love looking at the chart. My younger daughter loves seeing when each president lived and served. My older students are fascinated by the colored segments of the timeline that show what other offices the president held, which has made for some interesting discussions about how one prepares for leadership. You can grab your timeline here, access lesson plans, and let the learning begin!

Jenny:

My boys have learned a lot about American history through NEST Entertainment’s history cartoons (checked out of the library). Once the boys are interested, then we return to the library for books about the specific presidents. One great easy reader book we found at the library was George Washington and the General’s Dog. It tells the rarely-heard story of when General Washington befriends General Howe’s dog after it is found on the battlefield. (I won’t give it away!)

You can find lots of recommended resources over at our Review Site, too.