Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Dear Mr. President"

Preparing for the Oath: Presidency

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 15:01:51 GMT

Use short videos, mini-activities, and practice questions to explore the executive branch in this segment of Preparing for the Oath: U.S. History and Civics for Citizenship. The ten questions included in this segment cover topics such as the powers of the presidency, the role of the Vice President, and positions within the President’s Cabinet.

This site was designed with the needs of recent immigrants in mind. It is written at a “low-intermediate” ESL level.

A Letter to Abraham Lincoln Homepage

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 20:26:56 GMT

In this OurStory module, children will read Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers, a children's book that tells the story of Grace Bedell and the famous letter that she sent to Abraham Lincoln in 1860. The module includes links to hands-on activities and a list of recommended readings for further exploration. OurStory is a series of modules designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, OurStory resources will allow children to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.

Reading Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 16:08:02 GMT

This useful reading guide will help engage young readers as they read Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers, a children's book based on a true story about a girl who writes a letter to Abraham Lincoln. It includes 4 active reading helpers that will help children identify new vocabulary, make predictions and think about the characters and their emotions. Part of an OurStory module entitled A Letter to Abraham Lincoln, this resource is designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together. Ideal for afterschool use, OurStory resources will allow students to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.

The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden Homepage

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:43:08 GMT

This online exhibition examines the history of the American presidency. Through the use of objects from the museum's extensive collection, an interactive timeline and interactive activities, students will study the realities of the presidency, from its origins to the present, as well as the lives of the men who have held the office.

Children Write to the President

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:56:08 GMT

What would you say if you wrote a letter to the President? In this activity, students will analyze primary source letters that were written to Presidents by children and answer questions based on what they have read. This activity provides a unique look at the Presidency as part of the online exhibition The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden.