📖

Presidents' Day: Honoring Leaders

American Holidays: Remembering Our History

Day 169of 180
Week 34of 36
25Minutes
← Day 168Day 169 of 180Day 170 →
🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Learn about two important presidents: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln

2

Understand how leaders can help make positive changes

3

Recognize the importance of respecting and honoring leaders

📖 Scripture Connection

Romans 13:1

“Let every soul be in submission to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God.”

— Romans 13:1 (WEB)

Teaches children to respect leaders as part of God's plan

📦 Materials Needed

  • Pictures of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln
  • White paper
  • Colored pencils or crayons
  • Construction paper
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Gather children and show pictures of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Ask if they know who these men are.

💭 Review Question: What does a president do?
2Teaching (10 min)

Share simple stories about Washington's honesty and Lincoln's kindness. Explain how they helped make America better by fighting for freedom and treating all people fairly.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Washington was the first president and helped create our country
  • Lincoln worked to end slavery and keep the country united
  • Good leaders think about helping others
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What makes a good leader?
  • How can we show respect to leaders?
  • What important things did these presidents do?
3Activity: Presidential Portrait (7 min)
hands-on

Children create a drawing of what a good leader looks like

📝 Instructions:
  1. Give each child paper and coloring supplies
  2. Ask them to draw a picture of a leader who helps others
  3. Encourage them to include details about kindness and service
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Trace a leader's outline to color

Challenge: Write three sentences about why their leader is special

4Closing (3 min)

Review what we learned about presidents and leadership

📝 Review Questions:
  • Who were the two presidents we talked about today?
  • What makes a good leader?
  • How can we show respect to leaders?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for giving us leaders who help make our country a better place. Help us to be kind and helpful like Washington and Lincoln. Amen.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn about another special holiday that honors people who serve our country!

💎 Memory Verse

Proverbs 16:12

“It is an abomination for kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness.”

— Proverbs 16:12 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Leader Respect Chain: Children link hands to remember good leaders serve others

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Presidents' Day honors the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, highlighting their significant contributions to American history.

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Use age-appropriate language about leadership
  • Emphasize character over political details
  • Connect leadership to serving others
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might find historical concepts challenging, so use simple stories and visual aids

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Understanding of basic leadership concepts and respect for others

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Read a children's book about Washington or Lincoln
  • Create a family timeline of important leaders
  • Discuss ways children can be leaders in their home or classroom

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 170 →Back to History & Social Studies