Father's Day Presents

Grade Levels: K - 5

Objectives

• Students will learn about the history of Father's Day.
• Students will make presents for Father's Day.

Materials

• Depends on which project you choose to do

Procedures

1. First, keep in mind that not all of your students may have fathers in their lives, due to death or separation. These students could participate in the projects by modifying the gifts for other important adults in their lives.
2. Share the following basic information about the history of Father's Day with your students:

   The founding of Father's Day is associated with Mrs. John B. Dodd of Washington State. Mrs. Dodd's mother died in childbirth, leaving her father, William Smart, to raise six children. As an adult Mrs. Dodd came to realize the difficulties her father must have faced as both a working farmer and single father. Thanks to her efforts the first Father's Day was celebrated in Spokane, WA, on June 19, 1910. The third Sunday of June was not designated as Father's Day until 1966 when President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the holiday.

3. Here are some Father's Day project ideas:
   • Personalize a photo album for your father, including cards and mementos.

   • Create a memory book listing all of the positive memories you have of your father.

   • Make a booklet of coupons for your dad. Customize it to reflect your relationship: one free car wash, one free hug, one night of total control over the remote, free dinner out, free winning of an argument!

   • Make a calendar using a family photo for each month's picture.