Inauguration Day: the day our next president and vice president are sworn into office. In the past, this was a simple ceremony. Now it has turned into a day-long celebration with many traditions. Use the activities outlined below to teach children about inauguration day, including what it is and why it is important.
Inauguration Day Videos
1. Inauguration Day
Introduce students to what Inauguration Day is with this informative video. It goes over the location of the inauguration, past traditions, the Oath of Office, and many other important and interesting facts.
Learn more: Homeschool Pop
2. U.S. Presidents
This fun little song goes over all of the different presidents and the years they were inaugurated. Get kids excited about the next inauguration with this catchy tune while also teaching them some history.
Learn more: Rock 'N Learn
3. When is Inauguration Day
Using a Sesame Street-style puppet, this is a very informative video about Inauguration Day. It goes over the ways Inauguration Day has changed over the years. Children will be engaged and interested in learning from other children and a puppet.
Learn more: Hey! Guess What
Inauguration Day Books
4. Inauguration Day (U.S. Presidential Elections: How They Work) by Danielle Haynes
Finding child-friendly books about inauguration day can be difficult--there aren't a lot on the subject, and the ones that are available are for older students. But this book aimed at upper elementary-aged students teaches students about Inauguration Day and all the ways it has changed over the years. Full of colorful illustrations, this informative book will teach students everything they need to know about Inauguration Day.
5. The Big Book of American Presidents by Nancy J. Hajeski
Get students excited about our next Inauguration Day by telling them true stories about our past presidents and their families. If looking for background resources with lots of teaching potential, look no further. It covers everyone from George Washington to Joe Biden. Find out our favorite President books for kids here.
Inauguration Day Games
6. Inauguration Day Boom Card Game
This free game for kindergarten through second graders is offered on Teacherspayteachers.com and is best played on a computer. This enjoyable activity helps them with color recognition as they are introduced to presidential inaugurations and the concept of one president moving out and another moving into the White House.
Learn more: Teachers Pay Teachers
7. Inauguration Day Bingo
If you are looking for hands-on activities, you can turn Inauguration Day into an actual game with these free printable bingo cards. This bingo game covers the most recent inauguration speech of President Biden, but you can alter the cards for any of the inaugurations.
Learn more: Alpha Mom
Inauguration Day Activities
8. Kindergarten Worksheets
This packet of worksheets from EdHelper.com offers multiple free worksheets for kindergarten students to complete to teach them about Inauguration Day. From coloring to dot to dot to filling in the blanks, this packet has everything you need to teach young children about this important day. Edhelper.com also includes packets for other elementary school grades, so search their website today if you need resources for other ages.
Learn more: Ed Helper
9. Our Hundred Day Plan
Keep this activity in your inaugural activities toolbox and use it with any grade level. Talk about how presidents put out plans on what they plan to accomplish during their first 100 days in office, and then create a plan with your students about your own 100 Day Plan.
Learn more: Learning for Justice
10. American Flag Craft
Get students feeling patriotic during craft time with this craft that utilizes popsicle sticks, markers, and stickers. Younger students can also practice their fine motor skills as they glue the sticks together. Get more July 4th activity ideas here.
Learn more: The Resourceful Mama
11. Crafts and Treats
If you are looking for classroom ideas, use the collection of activities in the link above to get students engaged on Inauguration Day. From Uncle Sam pins to Star T-Shirts, there are fun inaugural events for everyone.
Learn more: CBS News
12. Dear Mr. President
After teaching students about the inauguration, have them feel like they are directly involved in the process by having them write letters to the president. You can go over current events and have them choose one to write about. Imagine their excitement when they receive letters back from the White House! Here's a list of President's Day activities for kids.
Learn more: Education World
13. Powerful Poetry
A rather recent addition to Inauguration Day is that of poetry readings. This lesson is targeted at slightly older students has them read and analyze poems that have been read at inaugurations and then write their own powerful poem.
Learn more: Teacher Vision
14. Plan a Presidential Parade
Discuss how each inauguration has a parade and have students give different reasons as to why they think this is. Then following the lesson above, have your class create its own parade. There are also other engaging activities listed on the provided link!
Learn more: HMH
15. Various Activities and Resources
It is impossible to choose just one of the activities provided on Discovery Education, as they are all beneficial and informative. Click on the link above to find activities on teaching vocabulary, the role of the vice president, and more. With PowerPoints and other valuables resources, you will have everything you need to start teaching about Inauguration Day.
Learn more: Discovery Education
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