PRESIDENTS DAY
ART
Abe Lincoln Hat- Submitted by Sherry
Use an empty Gatorade can and wrap it in black construction paper, making an Abe Lincoln hat.
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Three Cornered Hat- Submitted by Christi
Construction Paper,
Scissors,
Stapler or tape,
Art materials for decoration
Draw lines on construction paper approximately 3-inches wide and 4-inches long. The children cut out the strips. Help the children staple or tape the three strips together on each end to produce a triangle shaped, three-cornered hat. Vary the length of the strips to fit the child's head. Decorate with all of your facorite craft items!
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Jointed Teddy Bears (Teddy Roosevelt)- Submitted by Christi
To create these old-fashioned jointed teddy bears, cut out a teddy bear body, legs, arms, head, and ears using the patterns provided. Attach the arms, legs, and head to the body with brass fasteners. Glue on the ears and decorate your teddy bear!
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Abe Lincoln Paper Plate- Submitted by Christi
To make this project you will need a paper plate, black construction paper, scissors, glue, crayons, and tissue paper. First take the paper plate and trim the edges so you have ears on either side and then cut out a small half circle from the inside lower half of the paper plate, leaving about an inch border intact for Abe Lincoln's beard. Next take the black construction paper and cut out a large top hat and attach it to the top of your paper plate. Now decorate by adding a nose, eyes, and other facial features, add a beard with tissue paper or crayon, and more.
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Handy American Flag- Submitted by Christi
To make this project you will need red, white, and blue construction paper, one large blue rectangular piece of paper, scissors, a pen, and some glue. First trace your handprints on white and red paper and cut them out. Next cut out a number of stars from the white paper. Now arrange the handprints on the blue background piece of paper, leaving a blue rectangular in the top left corner, to create red and white stripes. Now add the stars to the blue rectangle to finish your flag! Add a craft stick or dowel pole or simply hang your flag someplace special.
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George Washington's Hat- Submitted by Christi
To make your George Washington's Hat you will need a stapler, scissors, and some construction paper. Take the construction paper and cut three strips of equal length about 3 inches wide with a circular curve on the top edge in the middle of the strip. Staple the ends of the paper strips together to form a fabulous 3 corner hat!
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Cherry Necklaces- Submitted by Sherry
Have children make cherry necklaces to wear home so that parents will be aware of your efforts to emphasize honesty. Instruct each child to trace a circle shape onto a piece of red construction paper and then cut out the circle. Have her poke half of a brown pipe cleaner through the paper, and then twist as shown to resemble the cherry's stem. Thread a length of green yarn to complete the necklace. On one side of each child's cherry, write "I'm learning about honesty." Have the child write her name on the opposite side and then wear the necklace as a reminder to tell the truth.
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Liberty Bells- Submitted by Christi
Take a paper cup and cover it with aluminum foil on the interior and exterior to give it a nice silver color. Cut two pieces of pipe cleaner each about 4 inches long and a chime for your bell from paper. Flip the cup over and create a pipe cleaner loop centered in the bottom of the cup to allow you to hang up your bell later. Attach the paper chime to the other section of pipe cleaner. Flip the cup over and attach the chime to the interior of the cup at the bottom center. Decorate the outside of your bell with wonderful paper shapes and designs.
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Presidential Coins- Submitted by Christi
To make this project you will need construction paper, scissors, aluminum foil, glue, crayons or markers, and other materials to decorate your coins. Take a look at some coins for inspiration. Take the construction paper and cut large circle and wrap it in the foil. Now decorate your coin. Add a Presidential face in the middle and all sorts of designs and features- even a slogan if you wish.
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Presidential Log Cabins- Submitted by Christi
Take some brown paper cut it in half the long way. Cut the two strips to about 3/4 of their length and roll them into logs. Repeat several times until you have enough logs to build a log cabin! Next stack then to form a cabin- taping or gluing them in place. Take a large piece of construction paper and fold it in half to make a roof and place it on top of the cabin. Now you are ready to decorate- add doors and windows and whatever else you like.
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Presidential Money- Submitted by Christi
To make this project you will need green construction paper, scissors, glue, crayons or markers, and other materials to decorate your money. Take a look at some dollar bills for inspiration. Take the green construction paper and cut large rectangular bills to decorate. Add a Presidential face in the middle and all sorts of designs and features.
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Lincoln Log Cabin- Submitted by Christi
Construction paper (white and at least one other color),
White glue or a glue stick,
Scissors,
Craft sticks (popsicle sticks),
Crayons,
A shiny penny
Glue craft sticks to the paper to make the wall of the cabin. Cut a triangular roof for the cabin and glue it to the paper. Cut a rectangular door and square window; the window should be bigger than a penny. Glue the door and window to the cabin. Glue a penny, Lincoln side up, to the window. Draw a door knob and a background. You may want to add a chimney, trees, and other details that the children think of. Label the picture, Abraham Lincoln's Log Cabin.
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Patriotic Rock Craft- Submitted by Christi
A smooth, flat rock (make sure it's clean),
Pencil,
Red, white, and blue tempera paint,
Brushes,
Acrylic varnish or other shiny finish (optional)
Choose a smooth, flat river rock. Mark off the area that will be the stars. Use blue paint to color the area that will be the stars. Paint the rest of the rock's top white. Let the paint dry. Paint red stripes in the white area (in the real US flag there are 13 red and white stripes, with red stripes on the top and bottom - these stripes symbolize the original 13 colonies). Paint some white stars on the blue area (in the real US flag there are 50 white stars that represent the 50 US states). If you'd like a shiny finish, coat with an acrylic varnish after the paint has dried completely.
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Minature Lincoln Hat Craft- Submitted by Christi
Black construction paper,
Toilet paper tube (1 tube makes two hats),
Scissors,
A pencil,
Glue,
Tape
Cut a toilet paper tube in half, making two short tubes. Cut out a 2 inch by 6 inch rectangle of black construction paper. Trace a circle on black construction paper, using a tube as your guide. Draw four small rectangles around the egdes of the circle. Cut this out (this will be the top of the hat).
Trace another circle on a piece of black construction paper, using the tube as your guide. Draw a larger circle around this circle, about 1/2 inch outside the first circle. Cut out along the larger circle (this will be the hat's brim). Continuing with the brim, cut a series of lines through the inner circle. Fold these triangular pieces upwards. Glue or tape the triangular pieces of the hat's brim inside the half toilet tube. Now, for the top on the hat, use the circle with tabs. Fold the tabs where they meet the circle. Put the small black paper circle on the top of the hat, taping the rectangular tabs to the tube.
Place the rectangle of black paper around the central part of the hat. Glue it securely. You now have a tiny stovepipe hat to help you celebrate Presidents Day.
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Lincoln Penny Pendant- Submitted by Christi
Construction paper (red, white and blue),
White glue or a glue stick,
Scissors,
A hole punch,
String or yarn (red, white or blue),
A penny
For each pendant, cut out 3 stars, one red, one white, and one blue. The white looks best in the middle. Glue the white star onto the biggest star, and then glue the smallest star on the white star. Glue a penny (Lincoln side up) in the middle of the stars.
Punch a hole near the top of the stars. Thread a few feet of yarn through the pendant and wear it to celebrate Lincoln's birthday, February 12.
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Patriotic Pinwheel- Submitted by Christi
2 pieces of construction paper (the thicker the better),
Scissors,
A hole punch,
A push-pin,
A pencil with an eraser,
Markers or crayons
Start by making two square pieces of paper.To start making a square, put the two pieces of paper together. Fold the corner of the pieces of paper over as shown. To finish making the squares, cut off the small rectangles, forming two squares (which are already folded into a triangle). Fold the triangle in half.
Unfold the paper. Decorate one side of each sheet of paper. Put the undecorated sides of the paper together. Make four cuts along the fold lines - about halfway to the center. Punch four holes in the pinwheel, one at each corner.
Gently gather each of the four points (with a hole) to the center. (Be careful not to crease the paper.) Push a push-pin through the four punched holes through the center of the pinwheel to attach the pinwheel to the side of a pencil's eraser.
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Craft Stick Flag Craft- Submitted by Christi
This is a simple-to-make US flag made from craft sticks. Since this tiny flag does not have the correct number of stars and stripes, explain to the children that the real US flag has 13 red and white stripes (that represent the original 13 colonies) and 50 stars (that represent the 50 US states).
9 craft sticks,
Red and white acrylic paint,
Brushes,
Blue construction paper,
Glue,
Either white paper or a white gel pen
Paint 5 craft sticks red and 4 craft sticks white. Let them dry. Glue them together in an alternating pattern by gluing them to one craft stick (on the right side) and two broken craft sticks (in the middle and on the left side).
Cut a small square of blue construction paper. Either draw a lot of white stars on the blue paper using a white gel pen, or cut and glue tiny white stars onto the blue paper.
When the glue has set, turn the flag over. Glue on the square of blue construction paper and glue another craft stick to the long craft stick on the back. Let the glue set.
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String of Stars- Submitted by Christi
Make a decorative string of stars to celebrate President's Day. Make it as long as you want - you can decorate an entire room with this patriotic (and simple) craft.
Construction paper (red, white and blue),
Scissors,
String or yarn (red, white or blue),
A stapler, tape, or glue
Draw a large star on a piece of paper. Cut out the star and decorate it if you like. Fold over one tip of the star. Staple, tape, or glue the star to a length of string. Make many stars and attach them to the string. Leave some extra string at the edges for hanging. Now you can decorate any area with a patriotic flair!
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President's Day Poster- Submitted by Christi
Red, White, and Blue construction paper,
Glue,
Scissors,
Markers
Cut out strips of red, white, and blue paper. Glue the strips on so they look like a flag. Draw a picture of Abe Lincoln in marker and your done.
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White House Art- Submitted by Christi
Make a White House from construction paper & boxes.
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Log Cabin #3- Submitted by Christi
We have the shape of a small house and open door cut out. The children glue this onto construction paper. Next they glue small pretzel sticks onto the house to resemble logs. Inside the door the children are given a shiny new penny and identify Abraham Lincoln's face on it. They glue it inside the open door. We talk about how log cabins were built prior to making our own
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Abe Lincoln was TALL!- Submitted by Christi
Most kids are impressed to find out that Abe Lincoln was 6'4" tall. The children take large paper and have someone draw Abe on the paper. Then measure him to be the exact height he was. The students are amazed at how tall he was. Then I take a Picture of each student standing in front of Abe-- they'll take it home to remember our thematic unit.
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Log Cabins #4- Submitted by Christi
Create log cabins with clean, dry, 1/2 pint milk cartons. Cover the walls and roof with construction paper. Glue sawdust on the roof. Glue on a construction paper door that is folded in half so that it can open and close. Glue Lincoln to the "inside" of the door. I have also seen pretzels sticks glued on to the exterior.
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Presidential Silhouettes- Submitted by Christi
Pencil,
White paper or poster board,
Black paper,
Scissors (use with adult supervision),
Flashlight,
Glue
Everyone recognizes the silhouettes of Washington and Lincoln. Talk about their place in history and the contributions they made as Presidents of the United States. Look at their silhouettes and create your own.
Go into a dark room, and stand sideways against a wall. Tape a piece of white paper or poster board on the wall. The board should start about mid-chest and go above the person's head. Have someone stand about six feet back from the wall, and shine a flashlight on the person's head. Trace the person's shadow onto the poster board with a pencil. Cut the tracing. Use the cut-out as a pattern, trace the silhouette shape onto a dark piece of paper. Cut out. Paste on a different colored background.
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Coin Rubbings- Submitted by Christi
For President's Day art, you can do coin rubbings with pencils or crayons. Make simple presidential silhouettes on black paper to cut out, then mount on black paper. This works great for older preschoolers who can practice cutting on line skills.
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Log Cabin Art- Submitted by Christi
When talking about Lincoln, gather many sticks from outside and let the children glue them onto paper to make log cabins. The kids can get very creative with this. They can add saran wrap for windows or any other decorations.
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Log Cabin Art #2- Submitted by Christi
Clean and dry milk cartons from school lunchroom. Staple top back together to form a peak for your cabin. Next cover all four sides with light brown construction paper using white school glue. Cut out two triangles to cover areas inset in the roof. Cut out a door and draw a square on another side. Glue small stick pretzels on all four sides. Glue a shiny penny with Lincoln facing out in the window square. Leave cut out door open. Don't cut door completely out. Measure to cut out a rectangle for the roof. You may glue it or staple the roof on and even add a chimney if you like.
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Lincoln's Bracelet- Submitted by Christi
Provide the children with 3 to 6 pennies. Cut a piece of clear contact paper and press in half, enclosing the pennies. Adjust this bracelet to slip on the child's wrist.
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Rip and Tear- Submitted by Christi
Let the children make a torn paper collage using the colors red, white and blue. After it is completed, you can paste on top of the collage a black silhouette of George Washington or Abraham Lincoln.
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Money Rubbings- Submitted by Christi
Make penny or quarter rubbings by putting a coin under a sheet of thin newsprint. Hold the coin steady as you rub over it with the side of a crayon. You will begin to see the head of a president as the crayon markings get darker. Be sure to rub both sides of the coin.(note: For the young'uns, put a circle of tape on the under side of the coin and tape it to the table ... several coins in a small area. Then lay the paper over it and let them take turns doing their own rubbing. It was much easier for them than trying to hold the coin (under the paper) steady.)
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Lincoln's Log Cabin- Submitted by Christi
For younger children help draw a simple design of a house. Older children can design their own. Help children glue pretzel sticks onto paper to make log cabins.
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Cherry Trees- Submitted by Christi
Glue twigs on sheets of white construction paper to make trees. Let children attach small red circle sticker "cherries" or use finger prints dipped into red finger paints.
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Apple Printing- Submitted by Christi
Cut apples in half vertically and others in half horizontally. Pat the cut surfaces of theapples with a paper town and allow to dry for about an hour. Use sheets of construction paper and pour small amounts of red fingerpaint over sponges which are in shallow containers. Let the children dip the apple halves into the paint and press them on their papers to make prints. Use a fork inserted into the apple for a handle if necessary. See if the children can find the "hidden" star in their apple print.
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Three Cornered Hat- Submitted by Christi
Cut three 12" X 3" strips of construction paper for each child. Let the children make three-cornered hats like the ones worn in George Washingtons Day. Have each child staple together the ends of the three strips of construction paper(making a triangle). Children can then wear their hats for their other activities.
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Silhouttes- Submitted by Christi
Create a silhouette of either George Washington or Abe Lincoln from black contruction paper. Glue the silhouette in the center of a large sheet of white construction paper. Create fireworks around the silhouette by using different colors of tempura paint. I place a dot of paint on the paper and have the children use a paint brush to pull the paint from the center to create the fireworks. Before the paint is dry sprinkle with glitter for a dynamic effect.
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Lincoln Puppet- Submitted by Christi
Trace an outline of Lincoln's profile on heavy paper. Glue popsicle stick to the back of paper.
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Lincoln Collage- Submitted by Christi
Cut out a large profile of Lincoln using a sheet of construction paper.Trace around a pattern & cut out.Let the children glue on small pieces of red,white & blue objects. (cotton balls,tissue paper,crepe paper,wall paper etc...)
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George Washington Hat- Submitted by Christi
Cut 81/2 X11 piece of construction paper crosswise to form 3 equal rectangles. Staple narrow ends of strips together to form triangular-shaped hat.Glue on 2 red circles for cherries & draw on the stem & leaf
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Cherry Tree- Submitted by Christi
Make a simple drawing of some braches. Let the children glue of small circles of pink tissue paper that has been rolled into a circle onto the drawn branches.
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Washington Puppet- Submitted by Christi
Make a coin rubbing of a quarter.Cut out the circle.Glue to a popsicle stick.
FOOD & COOKING
President's Day Snack- Submitted by Christi
Use individual cups have each child crush a part of a graham cracker or vanilla wafer top with pudding and add cherry pie filling on top.
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Graham Cracker Log Cabins- Submitted by Christi
Talk with the children about Abraham Lincoln. Tell them about his childhood in a log cabin and his love of books. Divide the children into small groups and give each group graham crackers and peanut butter and ask them to decide how they might use these two things to build a miniature log cabin. Each group seems to go about the task in a different way!
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Lincoln's Log Cabin- Submitted by Christi
You will need 1 empty 1/2 pint paper milk carton, rinsed and dried,
a 10x8" board covered,
1 (16oz) container vanilla or choc frosting
1/2 cup shredded coconut, tinted green
Decorations: cheese flavored snack sticks, graham crackers, pretzel sticks,
square cheese crackers, green spearmint candy leaves.
Cover the milk carton with foil. Spread 1 side of carton with frosting, decorate with cheese sticks (to look like a log cabin) use 1 section of graham cracker for a door. Frost top of milk carton - top with pretzel sticks.
Spread frosting onto prepared board, sprinkle with coconut. Arrange cheese crackers for a walkway, make log pile out of cheese sticks. Construct a small fence from cheese sticks and pretzel sticks using dabs of frosting to hold together. Place spearmint candy leaves in frosting for trees.
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Edible Log Cabins- Submitted by Christi
Cover small milk carton with cream cheese and lay long thin pretzel sticks to make a cabin.
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Miniature Lincoln Logs- Submitted by Christi
Bake a white or yellow cake mix in paper baking cups as directed on the package. Cool and remove from papers. To form logs, put two cupcakes together end-to-end with ready-to-spread chocolate frosting. Frost sides, leaving ends of logs (tops of cupcakes) unfrosted. With small spatula make strokes in frosting to resemble bark. Decorate each log with a hatchet cut from red construction paper.
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Red and Blue Jello Pops- Submitted by Christi
1 pkg. (3 oz.) red Jell-o,
1 pkg. (3 oz.) blue Jell-o,
1 pkg. red Kool-Aid (unsweetened; 2 quart size),
1 pkg. blue Kool-Aid (unsweetened; 2 quart size),
2 cups sugar; divided,
4 cups hot water; divided,
4 cups cold water; divided,
Ice pop molds
Mix red ingredients and 1 cup sugar together. Add 2 cups hot water and stir. Add 2 cups cold water and stir. Pour into molds. Mix blue ingredients and 1 cup sugar together. Add 2 cups hot water and stir. Add 2 cups cold water and stir. Pour into molds. Put in freezer to harden
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Cherry Parfait- Submitted by Christi
In a clear plastic cup, layer yogurt and cherry pie filling. Repeat layers.
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Cherry Popover- Submitted by Christi
Plzce 1 T. of cherry pie filling in center of a flattened crescent dinner roll. Place another cresent roll over the top.Pinch edges together. Bake according to pkg. directions.
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Barbara Bush's Chocolate Chips- Submitted by Christi
1/2 cup butter, softened,
1/3 cup packed brown sugar,
1/3 cup white sugar,
1 egg,
1 1/2 teaspoons hot water,
1 1/8 cups all-purpose flour,
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract,
1/2 teaspoon baking soda,
1/2 teaspoon salt,
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips,
Beat butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and egg until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in hot water and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour, baking soda, and salt, until well blended and smooth. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop dough by well-rounded teaspoons onto greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 10 minutes, or until golden. Cool cookie sheet on a wire rack for 1 minutes, then remove cookies to a rack to cool completely.
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Elizabeth Dole's Pecan Roll Cookies- Submitted by Christi
1 cup butter, softened,
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar,
1 tablespoon cold water,
1 teaspoon vanilla extract,
2 cups all-purpose flour,
2 cups chopped pecans,
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar for decoration
Preheat oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Beat butter or margarine and sugar until creamy. Beat in water and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour. Stir in chopped pecans. With floured hands, roll 2 teaspoons dough for each cookie into an oblong shape. Press slight indentation down the center of each cookie with a knife. Bake on greased baking sheets for 45 minutes. Roll in confectioners' sugar while still warm.
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Jefferson's Macaroni & Cheese- Submitted by Christi
2 cups elbow macaroni,
1/4 cup butter,
1/4 cup all-purpose flour,
2 1/2 cups milk,
1 teaspoon salt,
1/2 teaspoon pepper,
2 cups shredded cheese,
3 slices bread
Measuring cups and spoons,
Saucepan,
2 Quart casserole, greased
Cook pasta about 5 minutes, drain. In saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Blend in flour, salt, and pepper. Add milk gradually while stirring. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 3/4 cups shredded cheese until melted. Add macaroni. Pour macaroni mixture into 2 quart greased casserole dish. Crumble bread slices on top of macaroni. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup shredded cheese. Bake uncovered in 375-degree oven for 25-30 minutes until browned and bubbly.
Makes 4-6 servings.
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Cherry Thumbprint Cookies- Submitted by Christi
1 teaspoon vanilla,
2 sticks butter or margarine,
2 egg yolks,
1/2 cup brown sugar,
2 cups flour,
1/2 teaspoon salt,
maraschino cherries
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together the vanilla, butter, egg yolks and brown sugar until creamy. Add the flour and salt and mix well.
Have the children roll the dough into 1" balls and place them on greased cookie sheets. Have the children make a thumbprint in each ball and then place a maraschino cherry in each thumbprint. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. (Makes about 3 dozen cookies)
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Cherry Turnovers- Sumitted by Christi
Make cherry turnovers with refrigerated biscuit dough and cherry pie filling. Have a student flatten a biscuit using the bottom of a drinking glass. Place 1 Tablespoon of pie filling in the center. Fold over and pinch edges. Bake until brown.
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Patriotic Bon Bons- Submitted by Christi
1/4 tsp vanilla,
3 oz cream cheese,
2-1/2 cup powdered sugar,
dash of salt,
coconut,
red and blue food coloring
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in vanilla and salt. Form small balls with mixture. Separate coconut into 3 bowls. Leave first bowl of coconut white, color second one red and third one blue. Roll balls in different color coconut. Refrigerate before serving *****
Cherry Turnovers-Submitted by Christi
1 can (21oz) cherry pie filling,
2 tsp grated orange rind,
1 pkg (15oz) refrig. pie crust,
1 egg yolk,
1 tbsp milk,
1 tbsp sugar,
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon,
4" round cookie cutter
Preheat oven to 375 - combine pie filling and orange rind - roll 1 pie crust on floured surface to 12 inch circle. Cut out 6 (4") circles with cookie cutter. cut out 6 hatchet shapes from pastry trimmings. Repeat with second crust. - combine egg yolk and milk in a small bowl. - combine sugar and cinamon in another small bowl - spoon tablespoons of pie filling onto center of each pastry - brush edges of pastry with egg yolk mixture - fold pastry in half and enclose filling. Press edges together with fork to seal. Place on ungreased baking sheet - brush tops of turnovers with egg yolk mixture - place one hatchet cutout on each turnover, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. - bake 18-20 minutes or until golden brown - cool on wire rack - serve warm
(makes 12)
A very old legend tells me *****
It's a Special Day- Submitted by Christi
It's a very special day today, *****
George Washington- Submitted by Christi
One time there was a little boy
Chorus: *****
Presidents' Day- Submitted by Christi
Lincoln and Washington *****
Lincoln Rap- Submitted by Christi
Abraham Lincoln, I've been thinkin
Abraham Lincoln, I've been thinkin
Abraham Lincoln, I"ve been thinkin *****
Honest Abe- Submitted by Christi
I Love the name of Abraham *****
George Washington the First- Submitted by Christi
George Washington was the first *****
Lincoln- Submitted by Christi
Through hard work, skill, & determination. *****
Three Corners- Submitted by Christi
My hat it has 3 corners. *****
President's Day- Submitted by Christi
Lincoln and Washington *****
Presidents- Submitted by Christi
Who's fine face is on the penny?
Who's fine face is on the quarter? *****
Abraham Lincoln- Submitted by Christi
President Lincoln is a favorite President, *****
Who Chopped Down...- Submitted by Christi
Do you know who chopped down the tree
Yes I know who chopped down the tree,
It was I who chopped down the tree
Thank you George, you told the truth *****
Lincoln Fingerplay- Submitted by Christi
Through hard work, skill, and determination.
Make a graph with 2 columns, heads and tails. Give each child a penny and let them toss it. they will record by coloring a square each time the penny lands on a tails or a heads. the first column that fills up is the winner. The child can even make a prediction as to which column will fill up first. Happy Birthday, Abe!
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Money Fun- Submitted by Christi
Although it is very simple, children also enjoy sorting, counting, and stacking pennies and quarters.
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Pennies and Quarters- Submitted by Christi
Show the children coins and bills with pictures of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. Have the children sort pennies and quarters.
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Coin Polishing- Submitted by Christi
Have each child bring in a few pennies.Let the children polish them.
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Chop Down the Cherry Tree Game- Submitted by Christi
Sit in circle. One player is the Cherry Tree,who stands in center of circle with eyes covered. Adult chooses one player to touch Cherry Tree & say ,"Chop,chop." Cherry Tree falls down gently & player returns to place in circle. All players then say with deep voices,"Who chopped the cherry tree?" Cherry Tree opens eyes & guesses who it was. That player then becomes Cherry Tree, & the game is repeated.
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Follow the Leader- Submitted by Christi
Talk about the President of the United States and what it means to be a leader and let everyone take a turn being the leader while everyone else follows along.
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MISC ACTIVITIES
Make a LOG CABIN from those Lincoln Logs.
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Shiney New Penny- Submitted by Sherry
Give each child a shiney new penny taped to a little piece of paper that has a bit about Honest Abe typed up on it.
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Letters to the President- Submitted by Christi
For President's Day why not write a letter to the President ? Most letters written do get a response. Select a blank piece of paper and envelope, write a message, and decorate the envelope and paper. Be sure to include your mailing address and mail your note. The White House's address is : The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington DC 20500
Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12 in 1809. Things were different then. When Abe was a boy, he lived in a log cabin. A log cabin is a small house made out of logs cut from trees. His father cut down the trees and made the cabin. There were no electric lights in the cabin because electricity hadn't been invented yet. Young Abe read books by firelight and drew with charcoal on a shovel. Abe's family was poor. Often he went barefoot because he didn't have any shoes. When Abraham Lincoln grew up, he studied hard and became a lawyer. Then he was elected to be a law-maker. In 1861, Abraham Lincoln became the 16th President of the United States.
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Presidents' Day Stories- Submitted by Christi
Abraham Lincoln by Ingri and Edgar D'Aulair
This book was originally the 1940 winner of the Caldecott Medal - most copies have been completely redrawn. This book is too long for very young listeners, but the pictures give a good view of Abe's "grow up" years in the very early 1800's. There are many selections which young children will enjoy, such as Abe reluctantly sharing a gingerbread cookie, Abe learning to write by the fireplace and Abe fighting off pirates near the Mississippi River.
George Washington by Ingri and Edgar D'Aulair
Again, this book is much too long for very young listeners but the pictures and some sections are appropriate. It shows young George growing up in colonial America. The book endw with a page about Washington as the "Father of our County"
George Washington by Clara Junson
Biography of George Washington in somewhat simple vocabulary words. Parts of this book could be read to very young children. Included are most of the traditional incidents about Washington including Valley Forge. Washington the farmer, politician and surveyor are also included, but the famous (and untrue) chopping down the cherry tree story has been omitted.
Abraham Lincoln by Susan Lee
A brief biography of Abraham Lincoln. It is too long for young readers, but selections may be read and it is good background information for discussing the pictures.
A Man Named Lincoln by Gertrude Norman
This biography of Lincoln is written in "easy to read" style. It will probably not hold the interest of very young children, but some of it could be read in sections or used as the basis for discussion.
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I Cannot Tell a Lie- Submitted by Sherry
Inspire your little ones by telling them the legendary story of George Washington and the cherry tree. Familiarize yourself with the story as found in The Children's Book of Virtues edited by William J. Bennett. Then retell the story in appropriate language for your little ones. Though your children may be too young to understand who George Washington was, they'll remember the lesson of the virtue of honesty taught by this simple tale.
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Truth or Fib- Submitted by Christi
Tell the children the story about George Washington and the cherry tree. George Washington was an honest man-he told the truth, not a fib. Now tell the children short phrases, and ask them to tell whether the phrase is the truth or a fib. Here are some examples:
The moon is made of green cheese. *****
Where Would You Be?- Submitted by Christi
What's the president of the United States doing right now? Name a well-known individual (it doesn't have to be the president), and ask your child to imagine what that person is likely to be doing at this moment. Your child can use his or her knowledge of the person's job, responsibilities, interests, and the like, combined with his or her understanding of time zones, to answer the question. Then ask what the person might be doing in eight hours, 24 hours, a week, a month, or five years.
Ask specific questions, like: "What foods might the person be eating?" "What would the person be wearing?" "What might be the biggest concern on the person's mind?" It's lunchtime. Can you guess which fast food restaurant our president might be visiting now?
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The Legend of the Cherry Tree- Submitted by Christi
A legend is told about George Washington as a boy. Young George had a new hatchet and with it he cut down a small cherry tree. When his father saw the tree, he was angry. "George," he said. "Did you do that?" George was afraid to admit that he did. Nevertheless, the boy decided to tell the truth. "Yes, Father," he said, "I cut down the cherry tree with my hatchet. I cannot tell a lie." George Washington's father was proud of George for telling the truth.
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Ask the Kids- Submitted by Christi
If you could be president for a day, what would you do?
What do you think the President of the U.S. does all day?
Why do we have a president?
What other places have a president?
Presidents by Date of Service- Submitted by Christi
1789-1850
George Washington (1789-97)
John Adams (1797-1801)
Thomas Jefferson (1801-09)
James Madison (1809-17)
James Monroe (1817-25)
John Quincy Adams (1825-29)
Andrew Jackson (1829-37)
Martin Van Buren (1837-41)
William Henry Harrison (1841)
John Tyler (1841-45)
James Polk (1845-49)
Zachary Taylor (1849-50)
1850-1901
Millard Fillmore (1850-53)
Franklin Pierce (1853-57)
James Buchanan (1857-61)
Abraham Lincoln (1861-65)
Andrew Johnson (1865-69)
Ulysses S. Grant (1869-77)
Rutherford B. Hayes (1877-81)
James A. Garfield (1881)
Chester A. Arthur (1881-85)
Grover Cleveland (1885-89)
Benjamin Harrison (1889-93)
Grover Cleveland (1893-97)
William McKinley (1897-1901)
1901-2001
Theodore Roosevelt (1901-09)
William H. Taft (1909-13)
Woodrow Wilson (1913-21)
Warren Harding (1921-23)
Calvin Coolidge (1923-29)
Herbert Hoover (1929-33)
Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-45)
Harry S Truman (1945-53)
Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-61)
John F. Kennedy (1961-63)
Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-69)
Richard M. Nixon (1969-74)
Gerald R. Ford (1974-77)
Jimmy Carter (1977-81)
Ronald W. Reagan (1981-89)
George Bush (1989-93)
William J. Clinton (1993-2001)
George W. Bush (2001-present)
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Information About Presidents Day- Submitted by Christi
Until 1971, both February 12 and February 22 were observed as federal public holidays to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and George Washington (February 22). In 1971 President Richard Nixon proclaimed one single federal public holiday, the Presidents' Day, to be observed on the 3rd Monday of February, honoring all past presidents of the United States of America.
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GEORGE WASHINGTON (February 22, 1732 - December 14, 1799)
Early in his life George Washington became an experienced surveyor. Following these years, he fought in the French and Indian War. After the war he returned to Mount Vernon in 1758, married Martha Dandridge in 1759, and became a planter. That same year he became involved in politics when he was elected representative to the Virginia House of Burgesses. He was a representative until 1774 when he became a delegate to the Continental Congress. In May of 1775 George Washington was appointed Commander of the American army during the Revolution. He was the first President, (1789 1797) governing the 13 states.
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ABRAHAM LINCOLN (February 12, 1809 - April 15, 1865)
Abe Lincoln was born into a poor family and had little formal schooling. He basically taught himself to read and write and walked long distances to borrow books. He failed in early business and political ventures, yet became President in 1861 and guided the Union through the Civil War. He shaped his own character and education as was evident in the simple language he used in his speeches. His famous Gettysburg Address was delivered in 1863. Lincoln was assassinated on April 15, 1865 during a performance at Ford's Theatre in Washington just a few days after General Robert E. Lee and his army surrendered.
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Fun Facts- Submitted by Christi
Thomas Jefferson
The third president, is credited with introducing macaroni to the United States. He brought the first macaroni machine home with him from France, where he served as U.S. Ambassador after the American Revolution.
"Macaroni" was the name of the pony owned by President Kennedy's daughter, Caroline. The pony received thousands of fan letters from children across the nation.
Theodore ("Teddy") Roosevelt
In 1902 Theodore ("Teddy") Roosevelt went on a hunting trip. At the end of the day, he hadn't had much success, so a captured black bear cub (a baby bear) was brought for him to shoot. The president said no way and the story touched the nation. Soon a small toy bear was created that became popular around the world for generations to come -- the "Teddy Bear".
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Time Line-Submitted by Christi
Presidents' Day is a holiday honoring past presidents of the United States. What is the history behind Presidents' Day?
1796 -- The country first celebrated the birthday of George Washington during the last full year he was president.
1866 -- One year after Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, both houses of Congress gathered for a memorial address on his birthday, February 12. Although Lincoln's birthday became a holiday in many states, it never became an official federal holiday.
1885-- President Chester Arthur made Washington's birthday a federal holiday.
1968 -- Congress passed legislation moving the observance of George Washington's birthday from February 22 to the third Monday in February.
1971-- The legislation passed in 1968 took effect in 1971. Some people think that the legislation combined the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington to create Presidents' Day. Congress never combined Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays. The holiday is still officially called Washington's Birthday.
Presidents' Day is celebrated in February to honor two of our greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. The holiday is celebrated in the United States on the third Monday in February.
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George Washington
George was born on February 22, 1732. When he was born, America was not a country yet. It belonged to England, a country across the ocean. People in America didn't want to belong to England so they fought a war to become a separate country. George Washington was an American general in the war. America won the war and picked a new name for itself: The United States of America. George Washington was elected to be its first President.
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George Washington Life Facts
(Saturday, February 22, 1732 - Saturday, December 14, 1799)
Personal:
• First Lady: Martha Washington, Wife
• Wife's Maiden Name: Martha Dandridge Custis
• Number of Children: 2
• Education Level: No College
• Religion: Episcopalian
• Profession: Military, Surveyor, Planter
• Military Service: General
Public Service:
• Dates of Presidency: 4/30/1789 - 3/3/1797
• Presidency Number: 1
• Number of Terms: 2
• Why Presidency Ended: End of 2nd Term
• Party:
• His Vice President(s): John Adams
• Colonial Government: House of Burgesses (1758-1774), Continental Congress (1774-1775)
• Other Offices: President of Constitutional Convention
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SONGS & FINGERPLAYS
George Washington Fingerplay- Submitted by Christi
(point to self)
George Washington cut down a cherry tree.
(pretend to chop)
Because he would not tell a lie,
(shake head sideways)
When asked who did this terrible deed,
(deep voice,place hands on hips)
He said, "Dear Father, it was I."
(point to self)
Although this story is only a legend,
(shake head sideways)
It reminds me that George Washington
Was a brave & honest man!
(sung to: If you're happy and you know it)
Yes sir!
(Clap twice.)
It's a very special day today,
Yes sir!
(Clap twice.)
It's Presidents' Day,
When we can shout and say,
"Have a happy, happy, happy, happy, day!"
(Clap twice.)
(Sung to "Yankee Doodle")
Who had a little hatchet
He looked and looked around to find
A little tree to catch it
At least he spied a cherry tree
His father's pride and joy
He chopped it down, right to the ground
My! What a naughty boy!
And then he heard an angry voice
It sounded like a cymbal
George knew he was in trouble great
And he began to tremble
Who cut this tree, my son did you?
His father asked the question.
Yes, it was I. I cannot lie.
I cut it with my hatchet!
Georgie, Georgie, no, no, no.
Be careful what you do.
Hatchets can be dangerous
And you might get hurt too!
( sung to the tune of "My Country Tis of Thee)
They are remembered on
Presidents' Day.
Two men in history
Who gave us liberty.
Honor their memories
On this great day.
When you were a tiny babe.
As a youth you told the truth
And so they called you honest Abe.
How you taught yourself the law.
Every book around you took
and read like no one ever saw.
Back to when you wrote the E-
Mancipation Proclamation
So the slaves could all be free.
Abraham Lincoln, I've been thinkin
How you bravely let the land.
Once divided, Now united
You made sure our house would stand.
Sung to: "Yankee Doodle"
We see him on our money
His picture's on the $5.00 bill
And also on our penny.
Honest Abe is what he's called
Honest, kind and true.
He was our 16th President
He loved both me and you, sir.
Sung to: "Yankee Doodle"
President of our country,
The people loved him, one and all,
He worked to make our land free.
He led the soldiers-that was hard,
For they were cold and hungry.
He said, "Be brave, now don't give up.
We'll build a brand new country."
(wipe forehead)
Lincoln became one of America's greatest men.
(one finger)
He was a peace-loving man who was just.
(hand to heart)
Equal rights for all was a must!
(spread arms)
(form triangle above head)
Three corners has my hat.
If it did not have 3 corners,
(raise 3 fingers fingers)
It would not be my hat.
(shake head sideways)
Sung to: "My Country Tis of Thee"
They are remembered on
President's Day.
Two men in history
Who gave us liberty.
Honor their memories
On this great day.
Sung to: "London Bridge"
On the penny, on the penny
Who's fine face is on the penny?
Abraham Lincoln!
On the quarter, on the quarter
Who's fine face is on the quarter?
George Washington!
He is honored and loved by many.
So we do not forget him,
We put his face on our penny.
Sung to: " Do you know the Muffin Man"
Chopped down the tree, chopped down the tree
Do you know who chopped down the tree
Dad asked George one Day.
Chopped down the tree, chopped down the tree
Yes I know who chopped down the tree
Honest George did say.
Chopped down the tree, chopped down the tree
It was I who chopped down the tree
I'm sorry, but it's true.
You told the truth, you told the truth
Thank you George, you told the truth
I am proud of you.
(wipe forehead)
Lincoln became one of America's greatest men.
(one finger)
He was a peace-loving man who was just.
(hand to heart)
Equal rights for all was a must!
(spread arms)
GAMES, MATH, & SCIENCE
Lincoln's Birthday Graph- Submitted by Christi
Lincoln Logs- Submitted by Christi
CIRCLE TIME
Abraham Lincoln
We get light from the moon.
All the children in the room are girls. etc.
MISC INFO
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