Just in time for helping young people across America understand the presidential campaigns and election, the National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance has launched a newly designed and updated version of its nonpartisan, presidential history and civics education website OurWhiteHouse.org.
We invite you to explore this free, online companion to the NCBLA’s award-winning anthology Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out (Candlewick Press).
The OurWhiteHouse.org website provides a treasure trove of exclusive articles that expand the rich content of the book, plus activities and discussion questions to help you engage with young people in informed discussions about politics and civic life, teach them to think critically, and work to energize our kids to learn more about the political process in America.
As the presidential debates begin and the November vote approaches, be sure to make use of the website feature: “Race to the Ballot: The Our White House Presidential Campaign and Election Kit for Kids,” an all-in-one resource you can use in the classroom, at home, at club meetings, and even on the go.
Website content highlights include:
- “Presidential Fact Files” and “First Lady Fact Files”
Share these databases of dates, family information, achievements, historical connections, and more with young people. - “Help Wanted: President of the United States”
An extensive look at the job qualifications of the presidency, the risks and benefits, and the qualities that make an outstanding president. - “Getting the Votes and Getting Elected: The Popular Vote vs. The Electoral College”
How many adults understand exactly how the electoral college works? Read all about it in this explanatory article. - “Presidential Debates: Watching the Debates with Your Kids and Teens”
Tips for watching and discussing the debates with your kids so you can engage them in the presidential elections. - “Inaugural Activities and Discussion Questions”
Spark your students’ creative energy as you share these fun projects and discussion topics for understanding presidential inaugurations past and present. - “I Pledge Allegiance: Classroom Kit on Becoming an American Citizen”
A comprehensive kit on the steps one must take to become an American citizen, including classroom activities, tests, and more. - “Book-Specific Resources for Our White House”
Tips for using the Our White House book and website in the classroom, plus separate, easy-to-print Education Resource Guides for the content of each chapter in the book.
The OurWhiteHouse.org website and Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out book work together as core components of the NCBLA’s mission to educate, inform, and advocate for young people, literacy, literature, and libraries.
We hope you enjoy your tour of this renewed and revised version of the OurWhiteHouse.org website. Please share this information with your colleagues, friends, and family.