It’s been a long couple of years of campaigning, and there was a lot of discussion over who would win the presidential election. At times, it seemed to drag on forever, so it’s hard to believe that it’s almost time for the president-elect to be sworn into office! Whether you’re happy or not about the outcome of the election, it’s important for us to teach our children to be actively involved in the political process. Being involved means first being informed and second paying attention. Enter Inauguration Bingo.
I believe connecting our children to the traditions and moments that shape our nation’s story is so important. You have to admit we are literally living history right now – history books will be written about this period in our lives. Presidential inaugurations are one of those rare opportunities to bring history to life in an engaging and meaningful way. It’s a time when the past, present, and future merge, and we get to witness the transition of power.
Here is a quick video to help your children understand the inauguration.
Sometimes, though, it can be hard to find ways to get children, especially younger children, interested in what’s going on in politics. It’s easy to say that we’d like our children to listen to the first speech Mr. Trump will give as he becomes our new president. But how are we going to actually get them to listen? And how can we ourselves pay more attention and really notice what he’s saying? We hope this Inauguration Speech Bingo game will be the answer!
To make this historical event more accessible and exciting for your homeschool, we’ve created a fun and interactive way to learn about it: Presidential Inauguration Bingo! It’s the perfect way to combine education with a bit of playful competition, keeping kids engaged while they learn about this important moment in our country’s history.
Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 marks the official 60th Presidential Inauguration Day. Inauguration Day will be filled with a number of ceremonies, with the swearing-in ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. CT or 12 p.m. ET.
No matter what he talks about, you’ll want your children to listen. To actually pay attention. And you’ll want to pay attention as well. After all, how can we hold Mr. Trump (or any other politician for that matter) accountable for his actions if we can’t remember what he said he’d do in the first place?
We created these cards by listening to President-Elect Trump’s campaign speeches and various other inauguration speeches. You never know what will be in an inauguration speech, so we have taken our best guesses on what might be covered.
We want to make it fun for you! We want this to be something you and your children remember and talk about in the coming years. If you think about it, many of our children are old enough to remember the election this year, maybe for the first time in their lives. And what a controversial and memorable campaign it has been! So let’s make the inauguration something to remember too!
How Inauguration Bingo Works
The game is simple yet packed with learning opportunities. Each bingo card features words and phrases related to the presidential inauguration, such as “mandate,” “nation,” “border,” and more. As you and your kids watch the inauguration (or discuss it afterward), you’ll listen for these words and mark them off your bingo card. It’s a fantastic way to practice active listening and spark meaningful conversations.
Why Play Presidential Inauguration Bingo?
- Bring History to Life: Instead of just reading about inaugurations, this game lets your children experience the event as it happens, making it more memorable and exciting.
- Encourage Critical Thinking: As kids hear terms like “executive order” or “chief justice,” they’re likely to ask questions, paving the way for deeper discussions.
- Make Learning Fun: Bingo adds an element of friendly competition and engagement that keeps kids interested.
- Create Lasting Memories: Watching a historic moment together and turning it into a learning opportunity is a memory your family will cherish.
- Make It a Unit Study: Pair the bingo game with a short study on U.S. presidents, the history of inaugurations, or the role of the president.
It perfectly sparks their curiosity and is a launching point for a study about government or history. Here are some ideas of curriculum to consider that we have used and loved:
How to Get Started
- Download the Inauguration Bingo Cards: Get your free printable bingo cards and print as many as you need for your family. Each card is unique, so everyone will have their own challenge.
- Prep for the Event: Talk with your kids about what a presidential inauguration is and why it matters. Highlight key terms they’ll encounter on their bingo cards. Some of the words will be excellent vocabulary words!
- Play and Learn: Watch the event live or stream a recording, and listen carefully for the words and phrases on your cards. Discuss any new or unfamiliar terms as you go.
- Celebrate Your Wins: Whether someone gets a bingo or your family simply enjoys the event together, take a moment to celebrate learning and connecting as a family.
Bonus Ideas
- Add a Creative Touch: Have your kids design their own bingo cards with terms they learn during your discussions.
- Incorporate Crafts or Snacks: Create a presidential-themed craft or prepare some patriotic snacks to enjoy during the event.
This Presidential Inauguration Bingo game is more than just a fun activity—it’s a chance to spark curiosity, celebrate our nation’s history, and create meaningful family moments.
Win by getting a full line horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or four corners.
Sign up below:
Good luck! Take pictures of your homeschoolers playing Presidential Inauguration Bingo and share on Facebook and Instagram!
Use the Hashtags #365homeschool #hiphomeschoolmoms #homeschoolinauguration
