Are you looking for some President’s Day children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension activities? This list may be just what you are looking for!
President’s Day children’s books are filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these President’s Day books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Whether you love the President’s Day theme or not, try these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. The Story of Abraham Lincoln by Patricia A. Pingry
Through simple words and illustrations, a young child can meet Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth president of the United States. The story introduces the most memorable events of Lincoln’s life. It includes his childhood in Indiana, his leadership during the Civil War, and his writing of the Emancipation Proclamations.
With brightly watercolor illustrations, this book highlights the major events of Lincoln’s life from childhood to death. Children become acquainted with this historical figure through the simple words and engaging illustrations.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: All About Abraham Lincoln
- Abraham Lincoln Student Booklet
- Lincoln Roll It! Read It! Game Cards
- Abraham Lincoln Roll & Cover Math Game
2. If I Were President by Catherine Stier
A multicultural cast of children imagines what it would be like to be president. Readers will be so caught up in the fun they won’t realize that the book is also an ingenious teaching device and discussion starter.
Imagine living in the White House, a mansion where you wouldn’t have to leave home to go bowling or see a movie! Imagine a chef to cook anything you like.
If you were president, you would work in the Oval Office, get help making decisions from people in your cabinet, and be in charge of the armed forces. The Secret Service would follow you everywhere, and Air Force One would carry you on trips, sometimes to other nations. A note about the presidency accompanies the story.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “If I Were President”
- Venn Diagram Comparing Washington & Lincoln
- Presidents Real & Nonsense Word Sort
- Lincoln & Washington Art Project
3. President’s Day by Anne Rockwell
Today at school is a celebration for Presidents’ Day. Mrs. Madoff’s class is putting on a play where children are portraying the presidents. Children learn important facts about past presidents and can see children of all races that they can relate too.
Mrs. Madoff said I could be George Washington because his birthday is the same as mine. Charlie was Abraham Lincoln because he’s the tallest kid in our class. Everyone else had very important parts to play, too. At the end of the day we voted for class president, and you’ll never guess who won!
Literacy Extensions:
- President’s Day Word Bank
- Story Sequencing Page: First, Next, Then, Last
- Presidents’ Day Sight Word Match Game
- President’s Day Patriotic Heart Art Project
4. I Am George Washington by Brad Meltzer
Children will want to read about our first president while discussing the presidential elections. George Washington was never afraid to be the first to try something, from exploring the woods around his childhood home to founding a brand new nation, the United States of America. With his faith in the American people and tremendous bravery, he helped win the Revolutionary War and became the country’s first president.
Included in this book are timelines; photos; illustrations; childhood moments; facts and a virtue that George Washington embodied.
It leaves you with the inspiring message that we all can be heroes!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: All About George Washington
- My George Washing Story Writing Activity
- Retelling Story: Beginning, Middle, End
- Washington Math Dice Games
5. Grace for President by Kelly S. DiPucchio
When Grace’s teacher reveals that the United States has never had a female president, Grace decides she wants to be the nation’s first and immediately jumpstarts her political career by running in her school’s mock election!
The race is tougher than she expected: her popular opponent declares that he’s the “best man for the job” and seems to have captured the votes of all of the class’s boys. But Grace is more determined than ever. Even if she can’t be the best man for the job, she can certainly try to be the best person!
This timely story not only gives readers a fun introduction to the American electoral system but also teaches the value of hard work, courage, independent thought and offers an inspiring example of how to choose our leaders.
Literacy Extensions:
- President’s Day Word Bank
- President’s Day Story Sequencing Student Worksheet
- President’s Day Build a Word
- President’s Day Number & Ten Frames
6. George Washington’s Birthday by Margaret McNamara
This story is a perfect picture book biography from this award winning author. It is a partly true and completely funny story of George Washington’s 7th birthday.
In this clever approach to history, readers will discover the truths and myths about George Washington. Did George Washington wear a wig? Did George Washington cut down a cherry tree? Readers young and old who are used to seeing George Washington as an old man, will get a new look at the first president as a kid.
Literacy Extensions:
- “All About George Washington” Classroom Book
- President’s Day Literature Retelling Organizer Student Page
- President’s Day Make a Short Vowel Word Game
- President’s Day Roll & Cover Math Games
7. Duck for President by Doreen Cronin
It is our pleasure, our honor, our duty as citizens to present to you Duck for President. Here is a duck who began in a humble pond. Who worked his way to farmer. To governor. And now, perhaps, to the highest office in the land.
Some say, if he walks like a duck and talks like a duck, he is a duck. We say, if he walks like a duck and talks like a duck, he will be the next president of the United States of America. Thank you for your vote.
Literacy Extensions:
- “How Many Stars” Student Counting Booklet
- President’s Day Make a Word
- President’s Day Sight Word Game
- President’s Day Build 2 Addend Addition Number Sentences
8. President’s Day by Margaret McNamara
Mrs. Connor’s class knows they have a holiday in February, but do they know what it really means? They will after they learn all about Presidents’ Day and why it’s more than just a Monday off from school!
This easy reader engages kids with its simple text and bright artwork. It makes for a wonderful read that is as fun as it is informative.
Literacy Extensions:
- President’s Day Word Bank
- President’s Day Patterns
- President’s Day Sigth Word Match Game
- President’s Day Art Project
Finally, there are so many President’s Day children’s books you can choose from. From President’s Day fiction to nonfiction, the list of books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
