Create a family tradition for President’s Day



Create a littl family fun this President's Day.
Photo credit: discovergold.wordpress.com


What are your plans for President’s Day? Why not create a new family tradition by incorporating a little fun with learning? Start with providing your child with background information about President’s Day.

You could start by asking your child, “Did you know that initially President’s Day was observed on two different days? February 12th was Abraham Lincoln’s birthday and February 22nd was George Washington’s birthday.” In 1971 President Richard Nixon declared that the third Monday would be the observance of President’s Day. This would be the day to honor all past Presidents (www.momitforward.com/family-traditions-how-to-teach-kids-about-presidents-day).

Below are 5 ideas to get you started on your way to creating a memorable family tradition for President’s Day.

1.      Watch a movie together

Lincoln – rated PG 13 – this movie stars Daniel Day-Lewis and Sally Field

First Kid – rated PG - this Disney movie stars comedian Sinbad

2.      Take an interactive tour of the White House – www.whitehouse.gov/about/inside/-the-white-house/interactive-tour.

3.      Visit Presidential places – If you can’t physically visit any places this year, you can stroll through them online.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial – www.nps.gov/nr/travel/presidents/mount_rushmore.htm/

4.      Apply to be President for a day – at this site kids complete a pretend job application, print a campaign poster, and step into a virtual voting booth (www.pbskids.org/democracy/be-president/).

5.      Create a family story time -  Select a few book that relate to the theme “President”

Grace for President - by Kelly DiPucchio (picture book)

Bad Kitty for President - by Nick Bruel (suitable for beginning readers)

First Kids: The True Story of All the Presidents’ Children – by Noah McCullough (suitable for 8 years and up)

George Washington’s Socks – by Elvira Woodruff (suitable for grades 3-5)

Whether you decide take a family outing or spend time at home this President’s Day, make it a memorable experience. Ask the kids for their input and forge ahead. What suggestions do you have for creating a family tradition based around President’s Day?