Presidents' Day, celebrated on the third Monday in February, honors all of the United States presidents, but is most associated with our first president, George Washington, and our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, both of whom were born in February.
Teaching about the American presidents is a great way to examine the broader historical landscape of the United States. When we teach about presidents, we examine the crucial people, events, politics, and culture of their times.
The following Presidents' Day lessons and activities are free, easy to access, and provide many different ways to teach and learn about the U.S. presidents.
Presidents Day 2024
Learn all about the more than 200-year history of Presidents' Day and how it has evolved from a simple celebration of George Washington's birthday to a national holiday linked to all U.S. presidents, patriotism, and, of course, great deals for American consumers.
PBS Presidents
A lively, light-hearted snapshot of Washington life, this short video is a winning introduction for children in grades 3-6.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial Virtual Tour and Lesson Plans
Can you name the four American presidents whose faces are chiseled on Mount Rushmore? Hint: George Washington is one of them. Explore fascinating learning resources, from a stunning virtual tour of the massive sculpture to detailed lesson plans on engineering, design, geology and art.
Whitman on Lincoln: Putting Loss into Words
A moving exploration of Walt Whitman's writings about Abraham Lincoln, including the well-known poems “O Captain! My Captain!” and “When the Lilacs Bloomed Last in the Courtyard,” as well as lesser-known poems and lectures. The writings are followed by thoughtful questions and ideas for incorporating the works into classroom lessons.
Slavery at George Washington's Mount Vernon
The Mount Vernon website's online teaching resources delve into the hard truth that the father of our country was a lifelong slave owner. A variety of articles, videos, primary source documents, and artwork illuminate the lives of slaves at Mount Vernon and Washington's views on slavery. Expert performers bring to life many of the people known to have been enslaved at Mount Vernon in a series of extraordinary videos.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Lesson Plans
Detailed, printable lesson plans for students in grades 4-12 examine the Gettysburg Address, the two inaugural addresses, and Lincoln's “Team of Rivals” cabinet. Be sure to check out the Gettysburg Address Puzzle. How fast can you complete it?
Presidential Primary Sources Project
The Presidential Primary Source Project (PPSP) is a free cooperative initiative of Internet2, the National Park Service, and the National Archives that uses primary source materials to stimulate learning about American presidents. Live interactive video conferencing sessions include “The Evolution of Lincoln's Legacy in Washington, DC,” “The Presidential Legacy through Portraiture,” and “Commemorating Young Abraham Lincoln.”
Presidential curious facts
A fun and light-hearted look at the jobs, clothing, expressions and unusual physical features of America's presidents.
Inventing the American presidency
What would you do if you had to invent the president? This short TEDEd animated video explores the ideas the founders considered when creating the three branches of government. Click “Customize this lesson” for additional tests and explorations.
Executive Command
President for a day? How about president for four years? In this challenging video game from iCivics, students are tasked with fulfilling their presidential agenda while facing unpredictable events that are sure to occur. With a free account, educators can download the extension packwhich provides executive command guidance, PowerPoint slides, lesson plans, and student documents.
Presidents Day Puzzle
Three Presidents' Day puzzles aligned to Common Core standards include an online word search, an online crossword puzzle, and a printable crossword puzzle. A lively rendition of Hail to the Chief sets the tone.
Who is that president?
Online game that tests children's recognition of the presidents of the United States. Four levels of difficulty make it suitable for students in grades 4 to 12. Fun!
Presidents Day Lesson Plans and Resources
A host of Presidents' Day lessons and activities for K-12 students from the American Federation of Teachers 'Share My Lesson', covering various topics such as George Washington and the executive branch and Abraham Lincoln and the United States Constitution . The “Founding Mothers” and Eleanor Roosevelt also get their due.
What made George Washington a good military leader?
Everyone knows George Washington's reputation as a general. But do you know what made him an outstanding military leader? Four lessons for middle school students investigate Washington's history in the military and his ability to tackle difficult problems.
George Washington: first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen
This comprehensive three-part lesson from the Library of Congress is based on letters from George Washington to James Madison, the Marquis de Lafayette, and other notables of the era. Divide the class into groups, then assign readings, questions, and activities for students to work collaboratively.
Time Zone X: Abraham Lincoln
This free interactive game from BrainPOP requires users to place Lincoln-related events in the correct order of appearance. Excellent for a general review.
President Abraham Lincoln Puzzle
A stunning digital puzzle featuring a selection of six images of Lincoln. Choose your image, then choose the number of pieces: 16, 36, 64 or 100. A great challenge for both older and younger students, who can press the help buttons if necessary.
Abraham Lincoln excelled in wrestling
Abraham Lincoln was an excellent athlete. True or false? In this fascinating article by photo historian Bob Zeller, learn about Lincoln's skills as a wrestler, bowler, and pool player, and his connection to the young sport of baseball.
