Welcome to the White House

Objectives
Students will:

• Discuss the significance of the 2008 election results
• Discuss national and personal feelings about the election
• Identify upcoming challenges facing Malia and Sasha Obama
• Foster empathic connections to the Obama children
• Create a "Welcome to the White House" card

Time and Materials

• 1 or 2 class periods
• Images of the Obama family and other election items
• Copies of One for the History Books
• Excerpts from Presidential Child's Play, selected in advance by the teacher
• Paper and art supplies

Framework
Next month, our nation's first African-American family will move into the White House. Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, will cross barriers never before faced by our nation's youth. This activity offers an opportunity for students to think about the significance of this moment in history and the challenges faced by the Obama children. The lesson will culminate with students creating cards to welcome the Malia and Sasha to the White House.

Grades: 2-5

Procedure
Optional warm-up: Set the stage by creating a post-election gallery using photos, news articles, quotes and election objects such as campaign signs and banners. Include images of the Obama family and especially the children. As the lesson opens, invite students to tour the gallery and choose a favorite feature and share it with the group.

After the warm-up activity, the teacher or students should read orally One for the History Books, and discuss the historical significance of having our nation's first African-American president. Invite students to share how they think the nation feels about President-elect Obama as well as their own feelings about the election results.

Invite students to imagine what it is like for children to live in the White House. Read the class excerpts from Presidential Child's Play. Point out that the Obama sisters will be the first African-American children ever to live in the White House. While most of the nation is happy to have an African-American first family, some people say that our nation is not ready to welcome an African American to lead our nation and occupy the White House. (Use this as a teachable moment if racism is an issue that your students need to address.)

On Inauguration Day, not only will Malia and Sasha be leaving their old home and friends, they will be crossing a racial barrier never crossed in our nation's history. Discuss the many changes they will face, and engage students in making a list of ideas to help make the transition easier. Use their ideas to create a "Welcome to the White House" card for Malia and Sasha.

Mail students' cards to:

Malia and Sasha Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500