On-line ceremonies to get the most out of your AMERICAN holiday celebrations

Presidents' Day: Leadership

Learning lessons of leadership and civic engagement


On  Presidents' Day we remember George Washington and Abraham Lincoln as we focus on the Constitution and freedom of speech. Both of these great men understood the importance of the Constitution and the role that all citizens must play in protecting it and taking responsibility for the government we want.

Honor our presidents by taking a few minutes to read our ceremony out loud with your group. At a time when less than 25% of all students know the three branches of government and 70% of American adults cannot pass a basic civic literacy test, we can all benefit from civics conversations in our homes and schools. Holidays give us time to talk: we can create lasting memories with brief ceremonies and shared stories.

When we discuss how the Constitution has impacted our lives we pass on important lessons that make us a bridge from our country's past to our future. The actions our discussions inspire become part of our nation's story.

 

Presidents' Day: Ceremonies to Choose

“Celebrating Our Presidents and Our Freedom" highlights the historical significance and purpose of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. With quotes from presidents and other leaders, participants recall how the Constitution was created and consider how it affects our lives. Use our Glossary for key word descriptions found in the Ceremony.

Use your ceremony choice in different ways. Read it through as a formal holiday observance. Select an appropriate segment or hyperlink to spark a discussion for your group. Ask participants to read it in advance then discuss it at your celebration or follow up with a book reading from our Explore More “Book List”. Enjoy adapting a ceremony to your setting and let us know what works for you!

 

Presidents' Day: Celebrate Your Way

Try "We the People: Take Action" to learn about children who acted to protect their Constitutional rights. Further, use this as well as the related "Background Guide" document to find resources and ways to increase your civic engagement.

Make your own flash cards of the U.S. Presidents or buy a set. Play memory, order them by century, or alphabetize them. Set a 4x11 goal and learn about four new presidents at a family meal for the next 11 days.

  • Presidential Flash Card Options

Enjoy exploring our summary explanations of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Use our questions to consider the many ways our Constitution and Bill of Rights impact our lives today and have affected our American stories. Compromise, Compromise. A Bundle of Compromises. The Constitution has often been called a “Bundle of Compromises.” Can we learn anything today  from the compromises  made by its creators and authors.

  • Table Talk Constitution Summary
  • Table Talk Bill of Rights
  • Compromise, Compromise. A Bundle of Compromise

 

Presidents' Day: Create a Keepsake

Enjoy exercising your first amendment right of free speech.  Follow in the great tradition of presidential campaign buttons and make a button to promote your cause. What do you want to convince your fellow citizens to do? How will your button inspire them?

 

 

Presidents' Day: Explore More

The Presidents' Day Book List features recommended children's books suggested by our Freedom's Feast partner, the Enoch Pratt Free Library. Visit the "Presidents" link listed below for a visual and historical review of our nation's presidents, an informative site run by the White House. Enjoy “Advocating For Things You Believe In: A Case Study,” the story of Ted Well's 4th grade class. Learn how they convinced a major corporation to change its website.

Enjoy a meaningful and memorable Presidents' Day!!

Please visit us again for Memorial Day! 

   

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