Activity Overview
So You Want to Be President? describes many attributes, facts, and tidbits of information about the presidents. In this activity, student will illustrate facts they have found about a specific president. Students can find information using the textual evidence, on the internet, or in other books.
Here is an example for Abraham Lincoln:
- He was the tallest president at 6 feet 4 inches.
- He was the first president to have a full beard.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map that shows attributes and facts about a president from the book.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write the president's name in the title.
- Write attributes in each description box.
- Illustrate each attribute using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
So You Want to Be President? describes many attributes, facts, and tidbits of information about the presidents. In this activity, student will illustrate facts they have found about a specific president. Students can find information using the textual evidence, on the internet, or in other books.
Here is an example for Abraham Lincoln:
- He was the tallest president at 6 feet 4 inches.
- He was the first president to have a full beard.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map that shows attributes and facts about a president from the book.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write the president's name in the title.
- Write attributes in each description box.
- Illustrate each attribute using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about So You Want to Be President? - President Facts
Gather engaging facts about your chosen president
Look for interesting and unique details about the president from the book, reliable websites, or library books. Try to find facts that go beyond the basics—these make your project stand out!
Organize facts visually in your spider map
Place the president’s name in the center and add each fact in its own branch. Use short phrases or keywords so your map is clear and easy to read.
Illustrate each fact using creative drawings
Add a drawing or symbol for every fact to help classmates quickly understand what you learned. Keep your illustrations simple and colorful for the best effect.
Share and discuss your spider map with classmates
Present your map in small groups or to the whole class. Explain why you chose each fact and what you found most surprising—this builds speaking skills and helps everyone learn!
Connect your president’s facts to today’s world
Think about how your president’s attributes or actions relate to leaders today. Discuss similarities and differences to encourage deeper understanding and spark classroom conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions about So You Want to Be President? - President Facts
What is the 'So You Want to Be President?' activity for students?
The 'So You Want to Be President?' activity asks students to research and illustrate interesting facts about a U.S. president, using a spider map to organize attributes and evidence from the book, online, or other sources.
How do students create a spider map about a president?
Students create a spider map by writing the president's name in the title, listing different attributes or facts in each description box, and illustrating each attribute with scenes, characters, or items that represent their research.
What are some fun facts students can include about presidents?
Students can include fun facts such as Abraham Lincoln being the tallest president, the first to have a full beard, or other unique traits and achievements found through research.
What grade level is the 'So You Want to Be President?' lesson best for?
This lesson is ideal for grades 4–5, and can be completed individually or with a partner, making it suitable for upper elementary classrooms.
What skills do students practice with this presidential facts activity?
Students practice research, reading comprehension, organization, and creative illustration as they find, summarize, and visually represent facts about a U.S. president.
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So You Want to Be President?
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