Mini-Lesson

Leadership and the Presidency

Grades 2-3

Objective: Students will review the duties and responsibilities of the President, and will think critically about what qualities and abilities make someone a great candidate for the job.

1. To get students thinking about different types of leaders, read aloud the following story, and ask students to think about which kid is the leader.

In honor of Earth Day, some of the kids in Ms. Lee's fifth-grade class decided to teach the school's younger students how to take care of the environment. Ashley encouraged her classmates to demonstrate Earth-friendly behaviors. "If the younger kids see us picking up trash and recycling, then maybe they will want to do the same," she said. Brandon decided to plan an assembly. At the assembly, he made a speech encouraging the younger students to pitch in for the planet. Jennifer passed out pamphlets with tips on how to help the Earth. Carlos helped out by taking care of details behind the scenes. For example, he reserved the auditorium for Brandon's assembly, and he made copies of the pamphlets for Jennifer to distribute.

2. Encourage students to share their opinion on which kid is the leader and to explain why. Ask: What are some different ways that a person can lead? What qualities make a person a good leader?

3. Use the worksheet Do You Want to Be President? to review the duties and responsibilities of the President. Then, in partnerships, have students discuss which leadership traits make a great President. Encourage students to share their thoughts with the rest of the class.

EXTENSION ACTIVITIES:

Have students write about their own leadership potential. Encourage them to address these questions: When have you been a leader in the past? What are some ways that you like to help others? Which issues are most important to you?

Have students research a past President they admire to determine what made him an effective leader. Find biographical videos for seven former Presidents here. For articles on every President, visit this site.

RESOURCES:

John F. Kennedy: The Making of a Leader by the Editors of TIME for Kids (Harper Collins, 2005). Focuses on John F. Kennedy's development as a leader.

Use the worksheet Our First President to teach student about George Washington.

Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids Learn more about the executive branch.