President-Elect: Inauguration and Preparing for the White House

Get your students involved in the issues facing the U.S. President-elect with these activities, articles, and lessons. Have your students imagine a day in the life of the new president, read the inaugural addresses from past presidents, teach your class about the Cabinet, and consider what it means to be President of the United States. Explore the U.S. Presidency by centering these activities and lessons on Barack Obama.

President-Elect Barack Obama Barack Obama Biography Educator's Guide to Barack Obama A Day in the Life of a New President To better understand Barack Obama's position, have your students explore what they would do if they were President of the United States. If I Were the President So You Want to Be President? Blank Journal Page Imagine the first few days in office as a new U.S. President, and have your students journal from Obama's perspective. Focusing on Barack Obama Hail to the Chief -- A Song for the President Have your students write a song to Barack Obama in honor of his inauguration. The Face of a Leader Obama is known for his oratory skills. In this activity, students can fill a silhouette with quotations from his speeches. Write a Letter to the President Have your students write a letter to Obama with details of the goals they would like to see met during his administration. This is a great opportunity to summarize the initiatives laid out during Obama's campaign. Presidents' Occupations Many previous U.S. Presidents were lawyers before they took office. Reference the occupations of past Presidents while discussing the career Obama is leaving. The Letter Teach your students the proper way to write a letter by having them compose a letter full of advice from a past U.S. President to Obama. Visit the White House via the Internet As Obama prepares to move into the White House, allow your students to use the Internet to take a tour and try a scavenger hunt. Presidential Pets Barack and Michelle Obama promised their daughters, Malia and Sasha, that they would get a pet dog after they move into the White House. Take this opportunity to explore past Presidents' pets.

Presidential Cabinet As Obama appoints members to his Cabinet, discuss the importance of this advisory group and those who head executive departments. U.S. President's Cabinet Order of U.S. Presidential Succession Presidential Inauguration Activities Inaugural Poetry Review poems read at presidential inauguration ceremonies with this lesson plan. After the presidential election is over, find out how the new president officially takes office. Inauguration Day -- Facts and Fun Activities Interesting facts and fun activities related to the Presidential Inauguration Day in the United States. History of Presidential Inaugurations Share an article that outlines the history of presidential inaugurations in the United States. The First Inauguration Little Book Read a story about the day that George Washington was sworn in as the first U.S. President. This printable is a great resource for Presidents' Day. Inauguration Addresses Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Third Inaugural Address George Washington's First Inaugural Address John Fitzgerald Kennedy's Inaugural Address Ronald Reagan's First Inaugural Address William Jefferson Clinton's First Inaugural Address Presidential Resources Know the Presidents U.S. Presidents' Biographies Could You Be President? U.S. Vice Presidents Presidential Events Crossword Puzzle I All About the Presidents Mini-Book Presidents' Day Printable Book (Grades 1-3) Presidents' Day Printable Book (Grades 4-8)