Activity Overview
Use information gained from illustrations (e.g., maps, photographs) and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text (e.g., where, when, why, and how key events occur).
To keep readers engaged, St. George, added in many unique facts about different presidents. In this activity, students will find interesting characteristics/facts about the presidents and illustrate them using a traditional storyboard. They will also provide textual evidence of the characteristic or fact.
Here is an example:
Many presidents had pets:
- Dogs - F.D. Roosevelt, Hoover, Bush
- Horse - Grant
- Goat - Harrison
- Raccoon - Coolidge
"Theodore Roosevelt's children didn't just have pets, they ran a zoo. They had dogs, cats, guinea pigs, snakes, mice, rats, badgers, raccoons, parrots, and a Shetland pony called Algonquin."
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective:Create a chart that shows president facts and examples.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment” and give your storyboard a name.
- In the left column, write a fact category in each title. For example: pets, age, place of birth, sports, etc.
- Below each title, give examples.
- Describe and illustrate one of the examples for each fact in the right column.
- Save and exit when you are done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Use information gained from illustrations (e.g., maps, photographs) and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text (e.g., where, when, why, and how key events occur).
To keep readers engaged, St. George, added in many unique facts about different presidents. In this activity, students will find interesting characteristics/facts about the presidents and illustrate them using a traditional storyboard. They will also provide textual evidence of the characteristic or fact.
Here is an example:
Many presidents had pets:
- Dogs - F.D. Roosevelt, Hoover, Bush
- Horse - Grant
- Goat - Harrison
- Raccoon - Coolidge
"Theodore Roosevelt's children didn't just have pets, they ran a zoo. They had dogs, cats, guinea pigs, snakes, mice, rats, badgers, raccoons, parrots, and a Shetland pony called Algonquin."
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective:Create a chart that shows president facts and examples.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment” and give your storyboard a name.
- In the left column, write a fact category in each title. For example: pets, age, place of birth, sports, etc.
- Below each title, give examples.
- Describe and illustrate one of the examples for each fact in the right column.
- Save and exit when you are done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Presidential Facts Text Evidence
How to Guide Students in Citing Text Evidence for Presidential Facts
Empower students to support their presidential facts by guiding them to locate and cite text evidence from provided sources. This builds critical reading and research skills for grades 2–8.
Model how to find facts in the text.
Read a short section aloud and point out a unique presidential fact. Show students how to highlight or underline key details as they listen or read.
Show how to match facts with supporting text.
Choose a fact (like a president’s unusual pet) and demonstrate how to find the exact sentence or phrase that proves it in the text. Ask students to look for signal words or phrases that confirm the fact.
Teach students to quote or paraphrase accurately.
Explain the difference between quoting directly and putting information into their own words. Practice both methods using presidential facts together.
Encourage students to cite their sources.
Have students write down where they found each fact (page number, paragraph, or image). This builds good research habits and reinforces accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions about Presidential Facts Text Evidence
What are some fun facts about U.S. presidents for a classroom chart?
Fun facts about U.S. presidents include unique pets (like Theodore Roosevelt's family zoo or Coolidge's raccoon), youngest and oldest presidents, presidents who played sports, and where they were born. These facts make lessons engaging and help students connect with history.
How can students use text and illustrations to show understanding of presidential facts?
Students can combine textual evidence from readings with their own illustrations or storyboards to demonstrate understanding. For example, after reading about a president's pet, they can draw it and write a short description citing the source.
What is a quick and easy presidential facts activity for 4th or 5th graders?
A simple activity is to create a chart or storyboard with fact categories (like pets, sports, birthplace) and examples for each. Students illustrate one fact per category and provide a short text explanation using evidence from the reading.
Why is it important for students to use text evidence when studying presidents?
Using text evidence helps students develop critical reading skills, ensuring their facts are accurate and based on real information. It teaches them to support claims and strengthens comprehension.
What are examples of categories for a presidential facts chart?
Common categories include pets, age, place of birth, sports played, unique talents, and interesting family details. Each category lets students explore different aspects of presidential life.
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