Explore the excitement and significance of the American Presidential Inauguration with engaging activities for elementary students! Dive into the history, traditions, and symbolism of this important event through creative activities, printable worksheets and patriotic sweets. Inspire young learners to understand leadership, democracy and our Constitutional Republic while fostering curiosity about this cherished American tradition.
What is an Inauguration and Why is it Special?
When I was little I asked my dad, who was a US history and government teacher, why he and mom were so excited about the inauguration. He told me how, before America, most changes in leadership (kings, queens and emperors) were violent.
Most often with the old ruler being killed or banished so the new ruler could take his place. America’s “peaceful transfer of power” from one President to the next changed all that. It was a brand new, radically different idea in a brand new nation!
That’s what the Presidential Inauguration is all about; the outgoing President peacefully handing over power to the newly elected one.
The Oath of Office
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.
Fun Facts About the American Presidential Inauguration
- The original oath of office didn’t include the phrase, “so help me God.” George Washington added it and it has been said that way ever since. Only the members of Congress heard that phrase and his Inaugural Address (speech).
- Thomas Jefferson was the first have his swearing in actually in Washington DC at the President’s House (we call it the White House now).
- James Madison’s swearing in and speech were published in newspapers across the country for people to read.
- When James Polk took the oath of office Samuel Morse sat nearby busily tapping out the news on his miraculous new invention, the telegraph.
- in 1857 James Buchanan was the first President to have his ceremony photographed.
- Movie cameras recorded part of James McKinley’s Inauguration in 1897.
- In 1925 Americans gathered around their radios to listen as Calvin Coolidge took the oath.
- Herbert Hoover was the first President to have his Inauguration shared with Americans on a newsreel in movie theaters.
- Harry Truman’s Inauguration was the first one televised.
- More recently, Bill Clinton’s Inauguration was the first shared on the Internet and was watched across the entire globe!
Inauguration Day Activities
Here are three fun activities suitable for the whole family to play during the Inaugural festivities.
Inauguration Day FLAGS Bingo
Have someone draw a column card (F L A G S) and then an image card. Place a marker on the image in that column. The first person to have five in a line shouts Flags! and wins.
Inauguration Challenge
This is a little like those drinking games, except without the drinking part! Each person has an Inauguration Challenge sheet and something to mark it. Then as they watch the Inauguration they mark off the things they see. When they see a flag they mark that picture.
Try to mark it secretly– maybe the other people didn’t see that Secret Service agent. The first one to see everything or the one that has the most at the end wins!
Inauguration Word Search
Word searches are not only fun but also a great way to develop critical thinking and focus! Use these tips to help kids master the puzzle and enjoy the ceremonies more.
- Search Line by Line: Teach kids to scan one line at a time, looking for the first letter of a word and building from there.
- Use a Paper Guide: Sliding a piece of paper along each line can help kids focus on just the letters they’re searching.
- Spot Patterns: Words like “supporters” with repeated letters are easier to find—encourage kids to look for these patterns!
Patriotic Snacks!
Try a few of these great recipes from our friends at Down Redbud Drive.
Star Sugar Cookies with Patriotic Sprinkles!
Looking to Grab Your Own Copy of These Inauguration Day Activities? Throw Your Email in the Box Below and The Download Link Will Appear in Your Inbox Like the Minutemen at Concord and Lexington!
Have FUN Celebrating AMERICA!
Looking for More Seasonal Fun?
Here are some other great Valentine’s Day activities your kids will love:
- Sweet Kid’s Valentine’s Stained Glass Hearts
- How to Throw a Rockstar Valentine’s Day Class Party
- Valentine Word Search
- Valentine’s Day Heart Bingo
- Musical Hearts: Reading, Moving and Crazy-Fun Kid’s Game
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