President’s Day is just around the corner which is a great opportunity to introduce some important American history to children. Of course, little kids learn best through playing, so here are three excellent toys inspired by our presidents.
1. Lincoln Logs
Inspired by:
President Abraham Lincoln
This classic building toy is based on the real log cabins of Abraham Lincoln’s childhood. He was born in a dirt-floored log cabin in Kentucky. When he was just seven years old his family moved to Indiana where he helped his father build another log cabin. Later they moved to Illinois and built a third.
Lesson to Learn:
Children are stronger and more capable than we think.
Fun Fact:
When log cabins are moved these days, each log is numbered and graphed, so that the house can be rebuilt again. The logs have to be in just the right place, like a puzzle, because they were cut unevenly. If the numbers wash out, it is almost impossible to rebuild the cabin.
2. Teddy Bears
Inspired by:
President Theodore Roosevelt
President Roosevelt was an avid hunter and one day took a 3 day bear hunting trip with his friends. By the last day, everyone had gotten a bear except Theodore. His friends caught one and tied it to the tree so he could shoot it. He refused, because it wasn’t fair to the bear and was poor sportsmanship. Soon the newspapers carried cartoons of Teddy and his bear, which eventually lead to the creation of stuffed animal bears. Until then, bears were considered dangerous and fearsome, not cuddly toys for children.
Lesson to Learn:
Show good sportsmanship no matter what. Teddy would rather be fair and be the only one of his friends to have failed on the hunting trip than to behave without honor.
3. Play Money
Featuring:
Presidents Washington, Lincoln, Grant and Hamilton
Kid’s love money, so spend some time playing with it and examining the presidents’ faces. This obviously ties into math lessons by teaching the values of denominations. Kids can make their own fake money and draw their faces on it.
Lesson to Learn:
If you do something truly great, you might be remembered forever.
If you really want to make a kid feel happy and connected to the presidents on President’s Day, bake a cherry pie and tell them George Washington’s story about chopping down the cherry tree. He’ll be a favorite for sure.
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