President-Elects: Inauguration & Moving to the White House

Have your students imagine a day in the life of a new U.S. president, read the inaugural addresses from past presidents, teach your class about the U.S. Cabinet, and explore what it means to be president of the United States.

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 Cabinet As the president-elect 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 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)

A Day in the Life of a New President To better understand the president-elect'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 Ask your students to imagine the first few days in office as a new U.S. president, and journal from the president's perspective. Focusing on the New U.S. President Hail to the Chief -- A Song for the President Have your students write a song to the president-elect, in honor of his inauguration. The Face of a Leader Presidents are often known for their oratory skills. In this activity, students are asked to fill a silhouette with quotations from the president-elect's speeches. Write a Letter to the President Have your students write a letter to the president-elect, detailing the goals they would like to see met during his administration. This is a great opportunity to summarize the initiatives laid out during the campaign. Presidents' Occupations Many past U.S. presidents were lawyers before they took office. Reference the occupations of past presidents while discussing the career that the president-elect 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 the new president. Visit the White House via the Internet As the new president moves into the White House, allow your students to use the Internet to take a tour and try a scavenger hunt.