Use a Presidents’ Day coloring page as a starting point for looking closely at a historical image. Pair it with a short read-aloud or a labeled picture so children can talk about what they see and what they have learned.
1. Choose a page that fits your lesson
Preview the picture and select one that connects with a person, place, or symbol you plan to discuss. Set out a copy of your reference image.
2. Look for two details
Ask children to point to something they notice and name a question the image raises. Write the questions where the group can see them.
3. Read a short source together
Use a classroom book or a museum image caption to clarify a detail. Show students where the information came from.
4. Color and label
Invite children to add one label or a short caption. Offer a word bank or adult dictation.
5. Share a question for later
Ask children to name one thing they learned and one thing they would like to find out. Keep the questions for a follow-up lesson.
A classroom example
In a fictional first-grade class, Bea notices that the clothing in a picture looks different from what she wears. Her teacher opens a picture book, and Bea adds a caption about the detail she compared.
Get the printable
The free 101-page PDF includes bold line art about Presidents’ Day and American history. Select individual pages for a small group, center, or take-home activity.

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