Give each team a blank timeline and three name cards: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Have students place the cards in order, then invite them to explain one clue they used. On the federal calendar the February holiday is Washington’s Birthday.
Holiday dates for planning
| Observance | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day) | Monday, February 16, 2026 | Monday, February 15, 2027 | Monday, February 21, 2028 | Monday, February 19, 2029 | Monday, February 18, 2030 |
Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day) date reference
Read four questions aloud
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Which president took the first presidential oath in 1789?
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Which of the three served during the Civil War?
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Which gave radio talks called fireside chats?
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Which document begins with the words “We the People”: the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence?
Answers. Washington, Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Constitution.
Turn answers into evidence
Hand teams a copy of the Constitution’s opening paragraph. Ask them to underline the words that settle question four. Then have each team write a question that a classmate can answer from those same lines. Trade questions and point to the evidence before awarding a point. Close by having students add one event beside each presidential name on the timeline.
Read the Constitution at the National Archives.
Printable activity sheets
Presidents’ Day Activity Sheets costs $0.99 and includes five activities and an answer key. Choose a page for each guest or print the whole pack.
Optional supplies
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Crayola crayons give guests a choice of colors for the White House page.