With a presidential election year approaching, PALNYC decided to bring you the best resources to help your child understand the executive branch of the U.S. government. From songs to help you memorize the Presidents to apps and lesson plans, there is something for every type of learner on this list.
The U.S. Presidents & The Executive Branch
Check out these websites for detailed biographies and resources to help your child learn about the Executive Branch of government and the U.S. Presidents.
- PBS – A gold mine of resources for learning American history, PBS has learning tools for students ranging in age from Kindergarten through 12th grade. PBS 60 Second President Activities are a perfect introduction for students just learning about American presidents while older students can dive deeper with PBS President Biographies available for free streaming through the PBS website.
- Center for Civic Education – An excellent source for teachers, The Center for Civic Education provides lesson plans exploring the executive branch of the U.S. government at the Elementary Level, Middle School Level and High School Level.
- Brainpop Educators – Lesson plans for educators complement Brainpop videos exploring topics like the Branches of Government on Brainpop Educators. Various lesson plans can be adapted for grades K-8 and utilize the Brainpop Jr. President page.
- National Portrait Gallery – This comprehensive teacher’s resource provides over a dozen lesson plans and games to get students engaged in learning about the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government.
- Hail to the Chief Board Game – The board game Hail to the Chief can take the humdrum out of learning all about our nation’s presidents, the election process, U.S. history, and geography. The object is to be the first “candidate” to land on the Presidential Seal.
State Capitals
Go beyond flashcards and get your child interested in learning the State Capitals with these fun and interactive games.
- Penguin Hop at abcya.com – Students can test their knowledge of the state capitals against up to 3 other players. Penguin Hop is an educational multi-player game for kids to practice states and capital cities.
- Great States Board Game – Answer timed questions to show how well you know state capitals, locations and landmarks in this learn-as-you-play game of history and geography.
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Jax Sequence States and Capitals Board Game – Test your knowledge of the states and their capitals in this fun version of the Sequence game. Each card has the name of a capital with it’s location shown on the state. Players match the state’s shape and color on the card to the same states shape and color on the board, then place your chip on that space. Five chips in a row wins!
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Shepphard Software U.S. Capitals – A website with over 38 fun map games to teach capitals, state locations, landscapes and other pertinent information about the 50 U.S. States.
- And for those students who prefer traditional study methods, Quizlet provides online flashcards and quizzes to a variety of subjects, including the 50 U.S. States and their capitals.
h’APPy Connections
American Presidents for iPad – American Presidents is a beautifully designed, well-written overview of the history of the United States seen through passages on every American President’s life in timeline form.
GeoTouch FREE – Get the feel of how our world fits together with this app by Clever Dragons. Learn the shape and location of each of the US states (included for free, along with US landmarks).
Do you know of some awesome resources for learning about American History? Tell us what resources you are using and what has worked for you and your child by emailing palworkshops@me.com
PALNYC 