Inspire your kids to think about community and what it means to be a leader. (Updated for 2026.)

With the 250th birthday of the USA coming up in 2026 (semiquincentennial), this is the perfect time to teach kids about leadership. Here’s a fun exercise to do just that and inspire dreaming big! Download the free PDF and lesson plan below.

Why parents and teachers will love this

The “If I Were President for a Day” worksheet helps children understand that leadership isn’t just about making big speeches; it’s about making thoughtful decisions that affect others. And who knows? Maybe you’ve got a future president sitting at your kitchen table or in your classroom.

Values this worksheet explores

This activity is more than just fun. It’s an educational powerhouse in disguise. Here are a few reasons why parents and teachers love it:

• It encourages critical thinking: Kids are asked to think beyond themselves and consider the needs of a broader community. What rules would make the world a better place? How would they address important issues like education, the environment, or even lunchtime snacks?
• It builds empathy: By imagining themselves in the role of president, kids develop a sense of responsibility and learn to consider different perspectives. It’s not just about making ice cream free (although that’s a popular choice); it’s about what’s best for everyone.
• It’s cross-curricular: This worksheet blends writing, social studies, and even a little art if you let them design their own presidential seal or campaign slogan.

Lesson plan

Here’s how you can make the most of this worksheet in your classroom or at home:

1. Set the scene

Start by discussing what the president actually does. Talk about the responsibilities of being a leader, and watch a quick video or read a kid-friendly book about the U.S. government. This helps kids understand the weight of their imaginary role.

You could start by saying, “Imagine being handed the keys to the White House, even if only for a day. What laws would you pass? What changes would you make? What snacks would you stock in the Oval Office?” For kids, these questions spark imagination and creativity, and they’re a great way to start conversations about leadership, responsibility, and civic engagement.

2. Take an imaginary oath of office.

To help create a sense of importance, we recommend kids take the oath of office before they begin.

The presidential oath of office, mandated by Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution, is a 35-word vow sworn by the president-elect at inauguration to faithfully execute their duties and defend the Constitution. It is usually administered by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court at noon on January 20th.

The official oath of office:

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.

3. Brainstorm big ideas

Before diving into the worksheet, encourage brainstorming. What issues matter most to them? Clean parks? Free school supplies? More pizza Fridays? Write these ideas on a whiteboard or a big sheet of paper.

Here are the prompts included in the worksheet:

• My Vice President would be…
• My first order of business would be…
• Three things I’d change about the world.
• The most important issues to me are…
• I would make the country better by…
• The funniest law I would create. (Just for laughs!)
• Draw yourself in the Oval Office.

Here are a few more ideas that you can add:

• My Presidential motto would be…
• I would never…
• And, of course, ask your child to add their own ideas.

4. Share and celebrate

Once the worksheets are complete, let the kids share their ideas. This can be a simple show-and-tell or a full-blown “presidential press conference” where they present their plans to classmates or family members.

Worksheets

Download the worksheet in one of two ways.

• Download for free by signing up for our newsletter.
• Buy the PDF for only $2.00. (Below)

This worksheet is also available for purchase on our author Scott’s website.