President’s Day offers a chance to examine First Amendment

Originally established in honor of George Washington’s birthday, President’s Day now celebrates all United States presidents, past and present. President’s Day offers teachers and students a chance discuss and reflect on the First Amendment. The examination of the First Amendment is essential to understanding how journalists thrive in the United States.

Here are some First Amendment activities teachers can incorporate into the classroom for President’s Day:

Poynter News University offers a free lesson plan on the First Amendment for the high school journalist.

Test your knowledge of the First Amendment with this 30 question quiz.

Learn more about the history of President’s Day at the History Channel’s website.

Decorate your own presidential mask with help from the National Constitution Center.

Looking for First Amendment lesson plans to use in the classroom? Check out SchoolJournalism.org’s page on Law and First Amendment lesson plans. Additional lesson plans and resources on the First Amendment are available at 1forall.us.

How will you celebrate President’s Day? Tweet us at @youthjournalism with your ideas.