Inauguration day activities for kids are the perfect way to help students understand the importance and significance of a Presidential Inauguration.
It’s a great opportunity to help kids understand the peaceful transfer of power, the election process, and why leadership transitions matter in a healthy society.
Whether you’re teaching 1st grade, upper elementary students, middle school, or even high school, Inauguration Day offers a unique opportunity to connect current events with social studies, English language arts, and critical thinking—without turning the lesson into politics.
What Is Presidential Inauguration Day?
Presidential inauguration day is the moment when a new president officially takes office after a presidential election year. The ceremony takes place at the U.S. Capitol Building, followed by the inaugural parade down Pennsylvania Avenue toward the White House.
At the heart of the inauguration ceremony is the oath of office, required by the Constitution of the United States. This moment represents the peaceful transfer of power, one of the most important traditions in American democracy.
From George Washington to Abraham Lincoln, and into modern times with President Donald Trump and President-elect Donald Trump, inauguration ceremonies remind us that leadership changes—laws and institutions endure.
Why Inauguration Day Is a Great Way to Teach Kids
Inauguration Day is not just history—it’s a great chance to combine:
- Informational text
- Primary sources
- Close reading
- Writing prompts
- Reading comprehension
- Fun facts
- Critical thinking
It’s also a perfect way to explore elections – voting, civil rights, and how power changes hands without violence.
This makes it ideal for:
- Upper elementary students
- Special education students
- Occupational therapy and symbol supported learners
- Higher education discussion starters
- Even vocational education and civics-focused lesson plans
Inauguration Day Activities for Kids (All Ages)
Here are inauguration day activities that work across various levels—from 2nd grade to 4th grade, and beyond.
1. Read About the Oath of Office
Use a easy readers or picture books to introduce the oath and discuss why it matters.
You can also use the K-5 Inauguration Day unit study to read about the origins and meaning behind this holiday as well!
2. Create a Mini Book
A mini book is a fun activity and an effective comprehension task. Students can answer:
- What is an inauguration?
- What happens on inauguration day?
- Why is the oath important?
Get your free mini book activity here! Perfect for older kids and young learners.
3. Watch and Analyze the Inaugural Address
Have students listen to part of an inaugural address and identify themes like:
- Unity
- Responsibility
- The future of the nation
This is ideal for middle school and high school close reading and discussion.
4. Presidential Inauguration Trivia or Bingo Game
Use presidential inauguration trivia or a bingo game to reinforce learning in a low-stress way.
5. Timeline of U.S. Presidents
Create a timeline featuring U.S. presidents, future presidents, and notable inauguration moments using archival materials and primary sources.
6. Art & Music Connections
Tie the day into:
- Visual arts
- Graphic arts
- Vocal music
- Physical education (movement-based timeline or role-play)
7. Writing Prompt Activity
Lead students in doing a simple writing activity. Use the writing prompt: “Why is peaceful leadership change important?”
This fits naturally into English language arts and social studies and is great for older elementary through high school following a discussion of the purpose of an Inauguration day.
8. Compare Inaugurations
Compare the inaugurations, circumstances and festivities surrounding different U.S. presidents in history.
Students can compare:
- Early inaugurations (like George Washington)
- Crisis-era inaugurations (like Abraham Lincoln)
- Modern ones involving the vice president-elect
This supports critical thinking and civil rights discussions as students talk about how the culture of each time period affected the expectations and implementation of each inauguration.
9. Listen to Audio Lessons About the Inauguration
Audio lessons are a great way to help kids understand the presidential inauguration day without relying only on reading. Listening to short lessons about the oath of office, the peaceful transfer of power, and what happens during the inauguration ceremony supports auditory learners, special education students, and children who benefit from less work on paper.
Audio-based learning works especially well when paired with coloring, visual arts, or graphic arts activities, making it a flexible option for homeschool families and classrooms alike.
✔️ Ideal for car rides, quiet time, or occupational therapy-friendly learning
✔️ Reinforces comprehension without screen fatigue
10. Do a Complete 5-Day Unit on Inauguration Day
Instead of treating Inauguration Day as a single inauguration activity, turn it into a complete 5-day unit. A short unit study allows students to explore the topic deeply using informational text, primary sources, mini books, writing prompts, and critical thinking activities across various levels.
A multi-day approach is a perfect way for unschoolers or parents who want to connect:
- Social studies
- English language arts
- Reading comprehension
- Current events
- American democracy
This format gives students a great chance to truly understand why the inauguration matters—and why the peaceful transfer of power remains a positive force in our country.
Make Inauguration Day Meaningful
Whether you’re teaching 1st grade, upper elementary, or middle school, Inauguration Day is a great opportunity to help kids understand leadership, responsibility, and the systems that shape their world.
It’s not about politics—it’s about understanding how a positive force like the peaceful transfer of power keeps a nation functioning.
And that makes it a great way to teach kids something that truly matters.
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