Celebrating Presidents’ Day: A Lesson Plan for Teachers and Students

Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February each year. It is an opportunity to honor the leaders of our country who have served as presidents. For teachers and students alike, this day presents a chance to learn more about these influential figures in American history.

In this blog post, we will provide a lesson plan for teachers and students to use during Presidents’ Day. We will explore the lives and accomplishments of some of our most beloved presidents, as well as some lesser-known but equally important ones. Whether you’re looking for something to do over the break or want to incorporate this into your classroom studies, we hope this lesson plan will be informative, engaging, and enjoyable.

1. The Founding Fathers: George Washington & Thomas Jefferson

The first president of the United States, George Washington, set many precedents that future presidents would follow. He helped create the Constitution and established many traditions that are still observed today. During his presidency, he oversaw the formation of the country’s first national bank and signed into law several bills that shaped American society.

Thomas Jefferson was another founding father who had a significant impact on American politics. He wrote the Declaration of Independence and was a strong advocate for individual freedoms. As president, he made efforts to reduce government spending while also expanding America’s territorial holdings through the Louisiana Purchase.

2. Abraham Lincoln: The Great Emancipator

Abraham Lincoln is often considered one of America’s greatest presidents due to his efforts to preserve the Union during one of its most challenging times – the Civil War. He issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 which declared all slaves in Confederate territory free. This act paved the way for eventual abolition throughout America.

3. Franklin D. Roosevelt: The New Deal

Franklin D. Roosevelt is another president who made a significant impact on American society. He served during the Great Depression and implemented the New Deal, a series of programs and policies designed to stimulate economic growth and provide relief for those suffering from poverty. His leadership during World War II also helped establish America as a global superpower.

4. Barack Obama: The First African American President

Barack Obama made history when he became the first African American president in 2008. During his two terms in office, he passed several landmark laws, including the Affordable Care Act and the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” He also oversaw the end of America’s involvement in Iraq and worked towards improving relations with Cuba.

5. Bonus Presidents: James K. Polk & William Henry Harrison

While not as well-known as some of their peers, James K. Polk and William Henry Harrison still had significant impacts on American history. Polk was responsible for adding California to America’s territory through a war with Mexico while Harrison had one of the shortest presidencies in history due to his untimely death from pneumonia after only 31 days in office.

Conclusion:

Presidents’ Day is an important holiday that gives us a chance to reflect on our nation’s past leaders and their accomplishments. By exploring the lives and legacies of these presidents, we can gain a greater understanding of what it means to be an American and appreciate all that has been done to shape our country into what it is today.

With this lesson plan, teachers can help students learn about these influential figures while also engaging them in fun activities like trivia games or mock elections. Whether you’re working over break or incorporating this into your classroom studies, we hope this lesson will be both informative and enjoyable for all involved.

So let us celebrate Presidents’ Day by learning more about our past leaders and what they did to make America great!

Contact us today for a lesson plan with more information about each U.S. president!