What are some things you and your kids can look for and how can you participate right in your own home? We've checked the official Inauguration website and here is the flow of events.
INAUGURATION
First up, what IS an Inauguration?
The Inauguration is the official beginning of the 4 year term of the new President of the United States. Even if a President is re-elected to a second term, there is an Inauguration. The word “Inaugurate” means to consecrate or install.
Macaroni Kid Idea: Practice spelling i-n-a-u-g-u-r-a-t-i-o-n. I had to spell it many times for this article. It's a tough one!
DATE AND PLACE
The new President will be installed January 20th at noon in Washington D.C.
Macaroni Kid Idea: Show kids where our Country’s Capitol is on a map. Figure out how far it is from your home, by car, train or plane.
MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE
The President Elect will attend a Morning Worship Service: a tradition started by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1933. Many services have taken place at St. John's Episcopal Church.
Macaroni Kid Idea: Start the day with a worship service of your own. It can be something as simple as proclaiming gratitude for something.
PROCESSION TO THE CAPITOL
To show that the United States history is rooted in the peaceful transfer of power, the President Elect and the incumbent President proceed together to the Capitol.
Macaroni Kid Idea: Create a car out of a box (like we did in this WTAJ segment from out Indoor Play Article) and play President and President-Elect. Get out the Legos, dolls and play cars. You can go back in time and pretend to be the Presidents who walked to their Inaugurations.
SWEARING IN CEREMONY
First the Vice-President Elect is sworn into office by one of the Supreme Court Justices and then the President Elect by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Kids may want to know what an oath is. An oath is a solemn promise to do what one says they would do.
The President will say:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Macaroni Kid idea: Have kids think up ideas for oaths they can take. “I solemnly swear to clean my room without Mom reminding me!” "I solemnly swear to do my homework right after school."
UNITED STATES MARINE BAND
As is the tradition, the United States Marine Band will play 4 Ruffles and Flourishes Followed by "Hail to the Chief".
Macaroni Kid Idea: Make your own drum from recycled items here or your own kazoo using these instructions.
PRESIDENT'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS
After the President declares the Oath of Office, he traditionally gives his Presidential Address, which is his vision for what he plans to do while in office. It is then followed by the new President escorting the outgoing President out of the Capitol where he and his family board a waiting helicopter to begin their new lives.
Macaroni Kid Idea: Have kids share what their vision is for their school year, the family, goals they'd like to reach. Set up a podium (chair, ironing board, table, box on a table...whatever they can dream up) and have them say it as though THEY were the President.
INAUGURAL LUNCHEON
It is customary to serve dishes from the Incoming President's home state.
Macaroni Kid Idea: Serve snacks or a lunch that is one of your family favorites. We like these healthy snack ideas or this yummy Stuffed Green Pepper Soup.
INAUGURAL PARADE
Every big event deserves its own parade. Marching bands, military units and performers proceed down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.
Macaroni Kid Idea: Make our dancing ribbons and have a parade through your neighborhood or house.
INAUGURAL BALLS
There will be 3 Inaugural Balls to honor the new President.
Macaroni Kid Idea: If ever there was a time to play "Dress Up" this is it.
MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE EVENT
There will be plenty of media coverage of this event on the news, online, at the water cooler.
Macaroni Kid Idea: Have kids play reporter. What would THEY ask the new President? Do a role playing game where they are either the president or the reporter and have them write down questions (of their choice) and have the other person play the other role. When my son was in fourth grade, the teacher gave them the assignment to write down questions they would ask of a character in a book they had read. I asked the questions and he answered them as the character. We even recorded it so it looked like an interview.
I hope we've given you some ideas of how to share the significance of the Peaceful Transfer of Power which is unique to the United States of America with your kids.
Presidential Inauguration Facts and Lessons
United States Presidential Inauguration Wikipedia
US Politics Presidential Inauguration
Inauguration Fun Facts and Firsts
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