Activity Overview
The president has a major role in the job as President. They are the Head of State, Head of Government, and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. They are responsible for executing and enforcing the laws of the Constitution. Probably the most important of all of these jobs, is Commander of the armed forces. The President has the responsibility of directing the military. This is crucial in the time of possible war.
Students will write a narrative titled, “If I Want to be President.” Narrative writing describes an experience, event or a sequence of the events in the form of a story. It can be imaginative or real. The narrative will explain what they will do to make for our country to be a better place, and why. It will also explain the process they will go through to achieve their dream.
Review Article 2 of the Constitution with students, which outlines the powers of a president. This activity works well for an election year, or for President’s Day. Students write and then they can have fun orally sharing ideas. They can discuss recent issues in the news that they may feel strongly about. Examples: racism, the environment, immigration, taxation, healthcare, education, terrorism, etc.
Use Storyboard That as a brainstorming tool or as an alternative to a written essay. Students can focus on the 5 Ws: Who, What, Where, When, and Why to help them brainstorm or format their storyboard.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Objective: Create a storyboard that shows 5 W questions and answers if you were to become the president.
Student Instructions:
- Think of appropriate questions for Who, What, Where, When, and Why. (For example, WHY do you want to be president?)
- Illustrate and describe each answer.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
The president has a major role in the job as President. They are the Head of State, Head of Government, and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. They are responsible for executing and enforcing the laws of the Constitution. Probably the most important of all of these jobs, is Commander of the armed forces. The President has the responsibility of directing the military. This is crucial in the time of possible war.
Students will write a narrative titled, “If I Want to be President.” Narrative writing describes an experience, event or a sequence of the events in the form of a story. It can be imaginative or real. The narrative will explain what they will do to make for our country to be a better place, and why. It will also explain the process they will go through to achieve their dream.
Review Article 2 of the Constitution with students, which outlines the powers of a president. This activity works well for an election year, or for President’s Day. Students write and then they can have fun orally sharing ideas. They can discuss recent issues in the news that they may feel strongly about. Examples: racism, the environment, immigration, taxation, healthcare, education, terrorism, etc.
Use Storyboard That as a brainstorming tool or as an alternative to a written essay. Students can focus on the 5 Ws: Who, What, Where, When, and Why to help them brainstorm or format their storyboard.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Objective: Create a storyboard that shows 5 W questions and answers if you were to become the president.
Student Instructions:
- Think of appropriate questions for Who, What, Where, When, and Why. (For example, WHY do you want to be president?)
- Illustrate and describe each answer.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about If I Want to Be President Narrative Activity
Organize a Class Debate on Presidential Decisions
Engage students by hosting a lively classroom debate about tough choices a president faces. This activity encourages critical thinking and respectful discussion as students take on different roles, research issues, and support their positions with facts. You’ll build communication skills and help students understand the complexities of leadership.
Assign Roles to Encourage Participation
Assign each student a specific role, such as president, advisor, or citizen. This ensures everyone has a voice and helps students empathize with different viewpoints. Clearly explain each role’s responsibilities before the debate begins.
Provide Background Information and Debate Topics
Share age-appropriate articles or videos on presidential powers and current issues. Offer a few debate topics (like education policy, the environment, or military action) so students can prepare informed arguments.
Set Debate Rules and Structure
Establish clear guidelines for respectful listening, time limits, and turn-taking. Model how to disagree politely and remind students to back up their points with facts, not just opinions.
Reflect on the Experience as a Class
Facilitate a group discussion after the debate to reflect on what was learned. Ask students to share surprises, challenges, and new perspectives gained from stepping into a president’s shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions about If I Want to Be President Narrative Activity
What is the 'If I Want to Be President' narrative activity for students?
The 'If I Want to Be President' narrative activity asks students to imagine themselves as president, write a story about how they would make the country better, and explain the steps they’d take to achieve that goal. It encourages creative thinking and civic understanding.
How do I guide students in writing a narrative about becoming president?
Start by reviewing Article 2 of the Constitution with your class. Have students brainstorm using the 5 Ws: Who, What, Where, When, and Why. Encourage them to describe their presidential goals, the challenges they’d face, and the impact they hope to make, either through storytelling or with a storyboard tool.
What topics can students include in their 'If I Want to Be President' narratives?
Students can address current issues such as racism, the environment, immigration, taxation, healthcare, education, or combating terrorism. They should choose topics they feel strongly about and explain how they would address these as president.
How can Storyboard That be used in the 'If I Want to Be President' lesson?
Storyboard That can help students brainstorm or visually organize their narrative by illustrating answers to the 5 Ws. It provides a creative alternative to written essays, making the activity more engaging for visual learners.
Why is teaching about the president’s role important in elementary grades?
Learning about the president’s role helps elementary students understand civic responsibilities, government structure, and leadership. It also fosters critical thinking about how leaders make decisions that affect the country.
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