In 2022, President’s Day falls on February 21st. On this day, honor the 46 presidents who have served as commander-in-chief. Each has left their own unique mark on history. Here are 5 cross-curricular lesson ideas from our Units on the Presidency, Washington, D.C., How America Works, and George Washington! You can share with your class so they can learn all about the leader of the free world. 
Art
After reading about The White House, from our Washington, D.C. Unit, have students construct models of the White House. Students might make a model of the White House exterior or models of individual rooms such as the Oval Office or the Green Room. Ask students who make models of rooms to also make furnishings for the rooms. Encourage students to use books and other resources for pictures or diagrams that provide details of the structure and decor of the White House and its rooms. The President’s Home even includes a map of the White House.
Literature
Presidents have inspired poetry and have commissioned it for their inaugurations. Walt Whitman’s poem “O Captain! My Captain!” was a tribute to Abraham Lincoln following his assassination in 1865. Robert Frost’s “Dedication” was written for the inauguration of John F. Kennedy in 1961. These are just two examples of poems written for or about the presidents. Have students find copies of presidential poems and share them with the class during a poetry reading session.
Language Arts
Have students write biographies of the presidents. They should include information about a president’s family, education, and years in the presidency. They might also want to include some interesting trivia about the presidents, such as nicknames. Presidential Portraits is a great place to start. The Kids Discover library also has complete Units on George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt.
Math
The salary of the president is $400,000. Have students do some math problems using this number. How much does the president earn each month? Each week? Each day? Students can also figure out how much the president makes per minute! Present similar math problems using the vice president’s salary, $235,000, and a cabinet member’s salary, $200,000. In How America Works, students can read all about the Executive Branch of the US Government.
Music
“Hail to the Chief” has been officially used as the music announcing the president since 1954. Although most are familiar with the music, few people know the lyrics to the song. Have students find the lyrics and make copies of them. Have them sing along with the music. You can listen to the music as played by the United States Marine Band. After your class listens to the song, discuss how the tempo and beat make them feel.
