https://padlet.com/windischcourtney/dbci59vbeamnltvh Books for first graders learning about Presidents en-us 2023-04-03 21:01:27 UTC 2025-11-06 11:03:27 UTC hello@padlet.com windischcourtney https://padlet.com/windischcourtney/dbci59vbeamnltvh/wish/2542763574 Type of text
- nonfiction (autobiography)
- underrepresented identity
Reason for including text
- I think it is important for students to see the first female and first African-American and Asian-American vice president. Including her in this text set will help many students see themselves in a book in a person holding a high office.
Using text in the classroom
- I would use this text in the classroom to help introduce the current vice president. After reading, I would test student comprehension by asking questions to prompt students to identify and discuss key details in the story.
Standard
- ELA.1.RL.2 Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.
Shortcomings of text
- this book is not about the vice president office in particular, but more about Kamala Harris' background]]> 2023-04-03 21:15:57 UTC https://padlet.com/windischcourtney/dbci59vbeamnltvh/wish/2542763574 windischcourtney https://padlet.com/windischcourtney/dbci59vbeamnltvh/wish/2542769278 How did you decide upon the topic for the text set?
- My CT had books displayed in February on various presidents to highlight Presidents' Day. I decided to make my topic about presidents since the students were very interested in the books she had put out.

How does this text set make the topic meaningful and engaging for students?
- I think this text set makes the topic meaningful for students because I can highlight some of the brighter parts of US history in addition to highlighting Barack Obama and Kamala Harris as persons of color. In that way, students will be better represented and hopefully see themselves in these influential people. I can make the text set engaging by having students do activities in response to these texts or by piquing their interest through some of the videos.

What was your experience in searching for texts that depict underrepresented voices, identities, histories, or experiences on this topic?
- It is unfortunate that a majority of the presidents are white males. I knew I wanted to include VP Kamala Harris since she is the exact opposite of that demographic, so I am glad I was easily able to incorporate some diversity within this text set. I was also pleased to find a book that discussed Joe Biden's stutter since that also represents a different identity as well. I was lucky to also find a fiction book with an underrepresented identity as well. It is important to remember that when it comes to presidents, almost all of them represent the same demographic, and that fact cannot be changed.

What advice would you have for teachers who wanted to use this text set?
- I would say to be creative with the resources and modify the activities listed. I think so much can be done with this topic and these resources. I would also say that as time went on, consider swapping out the books on the 2023 president and VP for more current (future) ones.]]> 2023-04-03 21:24:20 UTC https://padlet.com/windischcourtney/dbci59vbeamnltvh/wish/2542769278 windischcourtney https://padlet.com/windischcourtney/dbci59vbeamnltvh/wish/2543806514 Type of text
- fiction
- underrepresented identity
- grade-level text
Reason for including text
- I think this text is fun to get students thinking about what they would do if they ran for president. I think it can lead to many different response activities for students.
Using text in the classroom
- I think this book would be a good basis for an activity like having students write and draw what they would do if they ran for president. I think this book could also be used to have an open discussion in the classroom and discuss what the class might do if they ran for president.
Standard
- SS.K-2.IS.6. Using various viewpoints, students will engage in reflective conversations to draw conclusions on inquiry findings and create action steps.
- ELA.1.W.5. With guidance and support from adults, focus on a topic, respond to questions and suggestions from peers, and add details to strengthen writing as needed.
Shortcomings of text
- this book does have a lot of information and vocabulary and it may be hard for first graders to grasp. ]]> 2023-04-04 15:05:36 UTC https://padlet.com/windischcourtney/dbci59vbeamnltvh/wish/2543806514 windischcourtney https://padlet.com/windischcourtney/dbci59vbeamnltvh/wish/2543818809 Type of text
- nonfiction
- multimodal
Reason for including text
- I think this text is good to include to give students more information on the offices of the executive branch. Since I wanted to highlight Kamala Harris, I wanted to make sure that the vice president office was explained as well.
Using text in classroom
- This book is on Epic, which is a commonly used site for students that allow them to listen to books. I would make this accessible for students to listen to so they could continue their learning during independent reading time. This text is just above the first-grade level, so it would accommodate for those students who are reading above grade level. I also think that making it available to students to listen to multiple times will give them a chance to explore it on their own time.
Standard
- ELA.1.RI.3. Describe the connection between two individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of information in a text.
Shortcomings of text
- may be above grade level
- not a physical copy]]> 2023-04-04 15:15:21 UTC https://padlet.com/windischcourtney/dbci59vbeamnltvh/wish/2543818809 windischcourtney https://padlet.com/windischcourtney/dbci59vbeamnltvh/wish/2549251381 Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O_ScD5VQlM&t=1s
Type of text
- multimodal
- nonfiction
Reason for including text
- I think this video is a good, concise explanation to the holiday itself. The photos are helpful and the language is easier for students to understand.
Using text in the classroom
- I would use this text to introduce the topic of presidents/Presidents' Day to students. I might use it as an anchor to begin a discussion or lead into an activity/book.
Standard
- ELA.1.SL.1a. Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups. Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others with care, speaking one at a time about the topics and texts under discussion).
Shortcomings
- one commenter on the video pointed out that the legal name of the holiday is Washington's birthday, but it is still referred to as Presidents' Day]]> 2023-04-10 21:11:44 UTC https://padlet.com/windischcourtney/dbci59vbeamnltvh/wish/2549251381 windischcourtney https://padlet.com/windischcourtney/dbci59vbeamnltvh/wish/2557586346 Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9jexkHgjxo&t=1s
Type of text
- multimodal (song)
- nonfiction
Reason for including text
- I liked this video because it incorporates math and social studies into one lesson. I think cross-curricular lessons can be very beneficial and meaningful for students.
Using text in the classroom
- I would use this video during math time to get the students interested and engaged. Then I would have an activity for students that would have them adding money and thinking about saving/spending.
Standard
- M.2.MD.8. Solve word problems involving dollar bills, quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies, using $ and ¢ symbols appropriately. Example: If you have 2 dimes and 3 pennies, how many cents do you have?
Shortcomings
- the song is a little repetitive, but I think students may begin to sing the chorus by the end of it]]> 2023-04-17 21:23:02 UTC https://padlet.com/windischcourtney/dbci59vbeamnltvh/wish/2557586346 windischcourtney https://padlet.com/windischcourtney/dbci59vbeamnltvh/wish/2566288487 Type of text
- nonfiction
- grade-level text
Reason for including text
- I think this text gives a good student-friendly explanation of the holiday and how it is celebrated. It also has many pictures throughout which will provide context and break up the text.
Using text in the classroom
- I think it could interesting to create a timeline of events and include when each president was in power during which time period. This book talks about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, in addition to mentioning historical events.
Standard
- SS.1.H.1. Create a chronological sequence of multiple events based on current learning.
Shortcomings
- the pictures are not too eye-catching]]> 2023-04-24 21:18:55 UTC https://padlet.com/windischcourtney/dbci59vbeamnltvh/wish/2566288487 windischcourtney https://padlet.com/windischcourtney/dbci59vbeamnltvh/wish/2569586128 Type of text
- nonfiction (biography)
- underrepresented identity (stutter)
Reason for including text
- I think it is important for students to learn about the current president since they are living during their term. I think it is interesting to look at Biden as a young boy and see how he lived a normal childhood but is now the president. Once I learned that he had a stutter and that identity is represented in the book, it made me want to include it more.
Using text in the classroom
- I would use this text in the classroom during a whole-class read aloud. I would facilitate discussions throughout about the people in the story, the different settings, and the events that occurred.
Standard
- ELA.1.RL.3. Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.
Shortcomings of text
- lots of text on each page
- min/max grade level is PreK-3, so could be hard for students to follow still]]> 2023-04-27 01:34:38 UTC https://padlet.com/windischcourtney/dbci59vbeamnltvh/wish/2569586128 windischcourtney https://padlet.com/windischcourtney/dbci59vbeamnltvh/wish/2569630742 Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR-5Pq_26YI
Type of text
- multimodal
- nonfiction
Reason for including text
- I included this text because I think it does a good job of explaining the presidential office, duties, and qualifications. I think the video adds more of an explanation than a book would since it acts out the dialogue.
Using text in the classroom
- During writing time, I would have students write a "how-to" story in which they write about how to become president or how to be president. I would also ensure that students had access to other materials to help them write these books. I would simply use this video as an anchor for the activity.
Standard
- ELA.1.W.7. Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., explore a number of “how-to” books on a given topic and use them to write a sequence of instructions).
Shortcomings
- it is a short video, so I would need to provide students with additional information/supports to be able to write a "how-to" book. ]]> 2023-04-27 02:09:54 UTC https://padlet.com/windischcourtney/dbci59vbeamnltvh/wish/2569630742