January 21st is Inauguration Day–which means that President Barack Obama will be inaugurated forhis second term. Inauguration Day is a good event for families as it provides a lesson in history, government, and civics. It’s also fun to watch on television. No matter how you and your family decide to celebrate, we have a few extra ideas to make the event even more fun and educational. [photo via flickr]
1) Have Your Child Make A List of Their Hopes & Dreams
President Obama has inspired hope and ambition in many. In honor of Obama’s second inauguration, have your child make a list of their personal hopes and ambitions. It’s a good time to have your child reflect on what they want, but don’t make it an “assignment” which would make it seem like homework. Instead, approach this as a brief project or activity. Remember to keep it simple by limiting the list to four to six things. If the child is older, you might have him or her write a short paragraph with each hope or dream.
2) Learn About the President and Presidents of The Past
Now is a great time to get acquainted with the current president as well as learn more about the presidents of history. Spend a day at the library and look for books about President Obama. Notable books include Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope by Nikki Grimes; and Yes We Can! A Salute to Children from President Obama’s Victory by Barack Obama. You should check out books about other presidents from the past as well.
3) Show Off Your American Pride
If there is any time to show off your American pride, it is now. Decorate your house with red, white, and blue decorations. Have the kids make cool crafts like American flags or paper chain link banners in Americana colors. You can also make other crafts like Uncle Sam style hats, a White House miniature replica made from Popsicle sticks, or cute pinwheel crafts. You can also search for fun Presidential-themed printables and give them to the kids to work on. If you have the time and creativity, you might want to create a President’s themed trivia game. Find fun facts and write interesting questions based on these facts. Write them down on a stack of index cards and you have an instant trivia game!
4) Merge Inauguration Day With Martin Luther King Jr. Day
This year’s Inauguration Day falls right after another significant holiday: Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Have your kids pay their respects to the late Dr. King by reading his speeches or books aloud. You can also use this time to discuss how Dr King’s legacy helped impact modern society, how it helped create opportunities, and what you think Obama will do to create a positive impact for the future.
 big day for a chance to give your kids some inspiring lessons! ){kind=link}