Every February, we celebrate Presidents Day, but how often do we really stop to think about why? For teachers, it’s an opportunity to bring U.S. history to life with engaging Presidents Day classroom activities that go beyond just names and dates. Whether you’re teaching about the Founding Fathers, the impact of presidential leadership, or just looking for a fresh way to make history exciting, Presidents Day is the perfect time to explore both the serious and the fun sides of our nation’s leaders.
What Is Presidents Day & Why Do We Celebrate It?
Originally established in 1885 as a holiday honoring George Washington’s birthday (February 22), the day later evolved to honor all U.S. presidents, past and present. Today, it falls on the third Monday of February, serving as a moment to reflect on the leadership, challenges, and accomplishments of the people who have shaped our country. Presidents Day is a great opportunity to teach students about the presidency as an institution, the impact of leadership, and even the quirky, unexpected stories behind our nation’s leaders. Want to make Presidents Day more than just another history lecture? Here are some fun and engaging poster sets to bring it to life:
Presidential Anthems: What’s Their Theme Song?
Music has a way of capturing the essence of history, and our U.S. presidents are no exception. Imagine if each president had a theme song that reflected their leadership, challenges, or impact on the country.
It pairs 16 iconic presidents with hilarious and thought-provoking theme songs, including:
- Washington: “My Way” – The ultimate trailblazer.
- Lincoln: “Man in the Mirror” – A leader for change.
- Obama: “Change the World” – Hope and progress.
Each poster includes a song excerpt, a summary of its connection to the president, and a bold, creative design to keep students engaged.
Check it out here! → Etsy or TPT
Presidential Fun Facts: The Side of History You Didn’t Know
We often focus on the serious side of the presidency, but our leaders were people, too, with quirks, hobbies, and even some hilarious moments in history.
Activity Idea: Have students research an unusual fact about a president and present it as a “Did You Know?” mini-poster.
Need a shortcut? My Presidential Fun Facts Bulletin Board Set has twelve hilarious and educational posters featuring quirky stories like:
- Ronald Reagan’s snack obsession with jelly beans
- George Washington’s dentures (spoiler: not made of wood!)
- Calvin Coolidge’s pet pygmy hippopotamus (yes, really)
History doesn’t have to be dry—let your students laugh while they learn!
Why you should decorate your Classroom for President’s Day-
While Presidents Day is often overshadowed by other holidays, it’s an important time to reflect on leadership, decision-making, and the impact of historical figures on our lives today. By making learning interactive, fun, and relatable, we can help students see presidents not just as names in a textbook, but as real people with stories that shaped history.
How do you celebrate Presidents Day in your classroom?
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