High School The History of Presidents’ Day Reading Passage

Description

Finding high-quality, rigorous material for the high school years can be a challenge, especially when you want to move beyond simple facts and dive into true critical thinking.  As a homeschool mom to a 9th grader myself, I know how important it is to have resources that respect a student’s/homeschooler’s maturity and challenge their perspective.  I created this The History of Presidents’ Day resource to help older students/homeschoolers look at the presidency through a lens of history, law, and even sociology.  It is designed to bridge the gap between learning what happened and understanding why it matters for our democracy today.  This is not just a holiday worksheet; it is an opportunity for your student/homeschooler to practice the kind of deep analysis required for university-level humanities.

THIS RESOURCE INCLUDES:

• A sophisticated, high-school-level reading passage.
• 20 multi-layered critical thinking questions.
• A comprehensive paragraph-style answer key.
• A primary source analysis activity.

TOPICS COVERED:

• The 19th-century veneration of Washington.
• The Uniform Monday Holiday Act.
• Commercial influence on national traditions.
• The intersection of Lincoln’s legacy.

PERFECT FOR:

• High school homeschool history students/homeschoolers.
• Parents prioritizing deep critical analysis.
• Students/Homeschoolers preparing for advanced inquiry.
• Independent study or co-op environments.

WHY CHOOSE THIS RESOURCE?

• It explores complex legislative history.
• The vocabulary challenges older learners.
• It requires cohesive, argumentative writing.
• It bridges history with civic duty.

BENEFITS FOR TEACHERS/HOMESCHOOL PARENTS:

• Saves hours of lesson preparation.
• Provides clear, detailed grading support.
• Encourages meaningful schoolroom dinner discussions.
• Elevates the high school transcript.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS/HOMESCHOOLERS:

• Builds stamina for academic texts.
• Sharpens historical synthesis skills.
• Promotes independent, thoughtful analysis.
• Encourages high-level vocabulary acquisition.

When we get to the high school level, our students/homeschoolers are ready to examine how the government functions as a living, breathing institution. The History of Presidents’ Day resource dives into the legislative journey of the presidency, starting with President Chester A. Arthur in 1885 and moving through the transformative changes of the 1970s.  We explore the tension between honoring a single founder and celebrating a collective office, which is a vital concept for any young citizen to grasp.  By looking at how Congress and even retailers have shaped our holidays, your student will begin to see that history is often a mix of law, culture, and economic influence. This deeper context turns a simple calendar date into a fascinating study of how a nation chooses to remember its leaders.

One of my favorite things about using this with my own 9th grader is seeing the shift in her writing when she has to answer questions in full paragraph format. These 20 questions aren’t looking for “who” or “when,” but rather “how” and “why,” forcing the student/homeschooler to organize their thoughts logically and provide evidence for their claims. We tackle the role of the “Great Emancipator” and how the proximity of Lincoln’s birthday changed the entire focus of the month of February.  This encourages students/homeschoolers to see the presidency as a continuous narrative rather than a list of isolated names and dates. It is so rewarding to watch a teen realize that the holidays we celebrate are actually reflections of our national values and priorities.

I have also made sure to include a detailed section on civic responsibility and the “American Experiment,” which is so crucial for students/homeschoolers reaching voting age.  We discuss how the holiday acts as a bridge, connecting the virtues of the past with the active participation needed in our modern democratic process.  This resource does not shy away from the complexities of the executive branch or the power of public ritual in maintaining a cohesive society.  It provides the academic framework your student/homeschooler needs to transition into more advanced historical studies while keeping the content engaging and relevant.  I wanted to make sure you had a resource that felt substantial and professional, giving you the confidence to lead these important conversations in your homeschool.

I truly hope this resource helps your high schooler gain a new appreciation for the office of the presidency and the intricacies of American history. Creating these materials is a labor of love for me, especially as I navigate the high school years alongside you and your family.  If you are looking to foster a spirit of inquiry and strengthen those essential writing skills, this passage and question set will be a great addition to your curriculum. Thank you for supporting my work and for trusting me to help you guide your student/homeschooler through these important academic milestones.  I cannot wait to hear how your student/homeschooler handles these deeper questions and grows as a critical thinker.

If you and your students/homeschoolers enjoyed this resource, please leave a review.

Thank you for your support!

Tina – Big Easy Homeschooling Mom

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© Big Easy Homeschooling Mom, 2024 to present.  All rights reserved.  This resource is for personal classroom/homeschool use only by the original purchasing teacher/homeschool parent.  It may not be distributed, shared, or used by others.  Additional licenses are required for multiple users or classrooms/homeschools.