by Dena Bless
One of the joys of homeschooling is the flexibility that allows you to take advantage of unique opportunities when they come along. This month you have three special events that allow you to teach civics/government lessons with your children of all ages. And doing something a little fun and different just might be the cure for getting back into the groove of schooling after the long holiday break and the midyear blues!
Below are questions to spark discussions, activities, library treasure hunts, and field trips. Choose ones that fit the ages and interests of your children. We will also include a link to print this out at the end. And remember you can always use these to pull in learning opportunities in other subjects, effectively covering two subjects with one project (e.g. writing a paragraph or paper or giving a presentation to Dad or other relatives on the information you discovered, developing research skills, using the numbers pertinent to your discoveries for math practice, developing a science experiment, etc.)
- The death of President Jimmy Carter
- When did he serve? In the list of our nation’s presidents, what number was he?
- How many terms did he serve? What is a “term,” and how many can a president serve?
- While his services were last week, you can find videos, commentary, and articles about them
- What is a National Day of Mourning? Has it been declared before?
- What were his funeral arrangements? How do they compare to other past presidents?
- Who came or didn’t come to his funeral? Is there significance to certain people attending?
- Are there certain things that always happen for every president? What do they mean by “protocols”?
- President Carter was often talked about as a weak, ineffective president for many years, but now many consider him one of the most respected past presidents.
- Why did he have that initial reputation?
- What changed?
- What is he known for now?
- He was often questioned about his reputation. Watch some interviews/read some articles where he was asked about it. What was his response?
- What is your opinion? Was his initial reputation deserved, or not? Are there parts that were true and parts that weren’t? How do you think he should be remembered? (Write his obituary in your own words?)
- Who shapes public opinion of how a president is doing at his job? How do you know which sources to trust?
- When did he serve? In the list of our nation’s presidents, what number was he?
- The Presidential Inauguration
- When is it? Is it always the same date? If not, what would make it change?
- Why is it in January if elected in November?
- During those two months, what is the term used for a president that is leaving office? What is the title of an incoming president? What are they each doing during this time?
- Once a president leaves office, what is his title (does it change)? Does he still have special treatment like Secret Service agents? What stays the same and what changes?
- Inauguration Ceremony
- What are President Trump’s arrangements?
- How do they compare to others? Are they the same or different from his previous ceremony?
- How many parties/banquets will he attend that night? Maybe your family could dress up and make special food and have a special, fancy banquet!
- Are there certain things that always happen for every president? What do they mean by “protocols”?
- Are there any presidents who didn’t have an inauguration ceremony? If so, why not?
- Are there any other presidents that were reelected to another term that wasn’t consecutive to their previous one?
- You’ll hear a lot of references to “100 days” when talking about President Trump now. What does that refer to and why is it considered important?
- Capitol Day
- When is it?
- What is it?
- Who is your State Assembly Member? Your State Senator?
- What is their platform? Does their voting record match it?
- Do you agree with what they believe/promote?
- What is their stance on private home education?
- Do they support parental rights, or do they think the government should be in control of making the important decisions?
- Tour the State Capitol and/or California State Library (when you register, Family Protection Ministries will also have some info on how to sign up for a tour for one or both on January 30)
Capitol Day is a unique experience that is a great mix of fun and learning for both you and your children. If you’re not already registered, please check out the link and see how you can be a part of this special event in a couple of weeks. And if you’re involved in any kind of homeschool leadership, please join us the previous afternoon for our Winter Leadership Event with Andrew Pudewa as the dinner keynote speaker.
Click here for a free printable version!
Dena Bless began as a reluctant homeschooler, but within a few years became fully convinced of the benefits of private home education. After graduating both her daughters, she and her husband, Ed, became CHEA’s Regional Advisory Board members for the Bay Area/Nor Cal regions, and she is now CHEA’s Events Manager as well.