Lesson Plan - The President’s Big Day

Watch a Video: Newsie’s Challenge: The Job of the U.S. President

U.S. President After watching the video together, discuss: What are some of the responsibilities of the president?

Preview Words to Know

Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• ceremony
• oath
• address

1. Summarize the main ideas of the section “A Promise to Us.” This section describes two important actions Joe Biden will take during his inauguration. He will take the oath of office, an official promise to defend the U.S. Constitution. He’ll also give an inaugural address, a speech that outlines his plans for America. 

^{(RI.3.2 MAIN IDEA)}

2. According to the article, how will Joe Biden’s inauguration be different from inaugurations in the past? The article states that in the past, inaugurations have featured parades and official parties with big crowds. Because of Covid-19, Biden’s inauguration will not include these events. 

^{(RI.3.8 COMPARISON)}

3. In the sidebar “Harris Makes History,” what is the meaning of the phrase “breaks new ground”? How is Kamala Harris breaking new ground? The phrase “breaks new ground” means “does something new or different.” Harris is breaking new ground because she is the first woman, Black person, and Asian American to be the U.S. vice president. 

^{(RI.3.4 DETERMINE MEANING)}

FEATURED SKILL: Reading a Chart

Use the Skill Builder “The Three Branches” to have students explore the three branches of our national government.  

^{(RI.3.5 TEXT FEATURES)}