Gerald Ford (The United States Presidents)
on Goodreads (15)
What’s inside...
Presents details of the life and career of America's first. appointed president.
Why read this book
- Insightful overview of President Gerald Ford's life.
- Educational content supports history curriculum alignment.
- Encourages civic awareness and participation.
- Appeals to young readers interested in leadership.
Age
6-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Gerald Ford
Discussion points
What are some of the qualities that made Gerald Ford a good leader?
How do you think the country felt having a new president during such a challenging time?
What decisions did Gerald Ford make that were important for America?
How did Gerald Ford's early life shape his presidency later on?
What would you have done differently if you were president during that time?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the traits that define a good leader. Discuss these traits in the context of both the book and real-world applications.
Set the historical context before reading the book. Explain the political and social climate of the time to make the content more relatable.
Ask your child to compare the decisions made by Gerald Ford with current events. This helps them connect historical events with present situations.
After reading, ask your child how they might handle difficult decisions if they were in a leadership position, fostering a deeper understanding of responsibility and governance.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and opinions openly, providing a safe space for discussion, which promotes confidence and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Leadership
Explanation: The book portrays Gerald Ford’s ascension to presidency, highlighting his leadership qualities during a turbulent time in American history.
Real-World Application: Children can apply the concept of leadership by taking initiative in group activities and demonstrating responsibility at home or in school.
Example Lesson: Integrity
Explanation: Gerald Ford's presidency is depicted as marked by honesty and strong moral principles, especially noted during the Watergate scandal.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of being honest and making ethical decisions, even when faced with challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The narrative covers how Ford handled various national crises, teaching resilience through adversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of perseverance and bouncing back from setbacks, applicable in overcoming personal challenges in school or during social interactions.
Example Lesson: Civic Duty
Explanation: Ford’s commitment to the country and his role in healing the nation is emphasized, underlining the importance of serving the community.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to participate in community service or school governance, learning the impact of contributing to societal welfare.
Example Lesson: Decision Making
Explanation: The book discusses Ford’s crucial decisions made during his presidency, showcasing the process and weight of decision-making in leadership roles.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and make thoughtful decisions in their everyday interactions with peers and family members.