Presidents’ Day Lesson Plans To Grow Future Leaders

Presidents’ Day is an opportunity to help students explore leadership, history, and civic responsibility. From George Washington to our most recent leaders, Presidents’ Day lesson plans can bring history to life in ELA and social studies classrooms.

Jump to:

• Explore Presidents’ Day traditions with social studies lessons
• Read like a president: ELA lessons for Presidents’ Day

[Explore Presidents’ Day traditions with social studies lessons](id-ss)

Key takeaways:

• Presidents’ Day lessons can teach historical context, leadership, and civic knowledge.
• Age-appropriate resources make lessons accessible for elementary and middle school students.
• Newsela Social Studies offers ready-to-use articles, profiles, and activities to streamline your lesson planning.

What are the responsibilities of a U.S. president?

Understanding the president’s job can help students see how leaders influence our country. Students can explore the day-to-day responsibilities and how presidential decisions affect all of us. Use these resources to guide the lesson:

• Articles that explain the president’s job responsibilities.
• Profiles on noteworthy presidents like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Tailor this lesson for younger students with an elementary spotlight, using similar resources and age-appropriate activities.

What can students learn about the first presidency?

George Washington’s presidency set the foundation for understanding U.S. leadership. Students can explore his time in office to see how early decisions shaped the nation. Dive in with this lesson:

• Share an article about the first presidential administration.
• Have students read George Washington’s first inaugural address from 1789.
• Compare the messages in Washington’s inaugural address to those in his farewell address in 1796.

How do executive orders work?

Executive orders are a presidential power that allows our leaders to address national priorities quickly. Students can examine the process and impact of executive orders using resources like:

• A video explainer of how executive orders work.
• An article explaining how President Trump declared a national emergency with an executive order during his first term.
• A reflection exit ticket to share what they learned about executive orders.

Who took office after George Washington?

The first five presidents established traditions that still influence how our leaders govern the U.S. today. Students can examine each president’s contributions and leadership style by exploring profiles on: 

• John Adams
• Thomas Jefferson
• James Madison
• James Monroe

What can we learn from recent presidents?

Studying the administrations of modern presidents helps students connect history to today’s leadership. Try these resources to help students explore the differences among our last six leaders:

• George H.W. Bush
• Bill Clinton
• George W. Bush
• Barack Obama
• Joe Biden
• Donald Trump

Follow up your reading with a discussion prompt. Ask students to compare leadership approaches from past and present leaders.

Why was the 2008 presidential election significant?

The 2008 election was a pivotal moment in U.S. history because citizens elected the first Black president. Students can analyze speeches and primary texts to understand the impact of this event while completing this lesson:

• Assign the full text of Barack Obama’s 2008 election night victory speech.
• Have students read the text of Obama’s first inaugural address.
• Ask students to complete an Evidence-Conclusion worksheet that answers the question “Why was the 2008 election significant?” using information from the speeches as evidence.

For more lessons on Barack Obama’s historic presidency, try our Impact and Legacy of the First Black President Collection.

[Read like a president: ELA lessons for Presidents’ Day](id-ela)

Key takeaways:

• ELA lessons connect historical texts with creative thinking.
• Students can analyze speeches, poetry, and literature inspired by presidents.
• Newsela ELA resources support differentiated instruction and deepen student engagement.

What books would U.S. presidents recommend?

Reading books that U.S. presidents enjoyed can reveal their interests, goals, and ideas. Students can explore some of their favorite stories or authors with our Novel and Book Studies Collection. Try picks from these presidents:

• Abraham Lincoln: “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
• Dwight D. Eisenhower: “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain
• George H. W. Bush: “Anna Karenina” by Leo Tolstoy
• Barack Obama: “Becoming” (Adapted for Young Readers) by Michelle Obama.

How did presidents inspire poets?

Our presidents’ actions and speeches may inspire artists to create. Students can explore poetry inspired by leadership to connect history with literature. Use selections like:

• “O Captain! My Captain!” by Walt Whitman
• “Mortality” by William Knox
• “I Hear America Singing” by Walt Whitman
• “Let America Be America Again” by Langston Hughes

Extend learning beyond Presidents’ Day with Newsela

Presidents’ Day is a great starting point for exploring leadership and history. But the learning doesn’t have to stop there.

With Newsela’s subject products, you can access interactive articles and videos, guided reading activities, and discussion prompts to keep your lessons engaging all year. 

‍Sign up for Newsela Lite and get a 45-day free trial of all our premium and differentiated content and activities to help you plan more exciting activities for Presidents’ Day and beyond.