Millard Fillmore: America's 13th President (ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PRESIDENTS SECOND SERIES)
Encyclopedia Of Presidents Series
on Goodreads (20)
What’s inside...
A biography of the thirteenth president of the United States, with information about his childhood, family, political career, presidency, and legacy.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-12
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Millard Fillmore
Discussion points
What challenges did Millard Fillmore face during his presidency, and how do you think he handled them?
Why do you think it’s important to learn about different presidents and their impact on history?
How do you think being president during the 1850s might have been different from being president today?
What qualities do you think make a good leader, based on Fillmore's presidency?
If you were president, what would be the first issue you would want to address?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child what they know about Millard Fillmore or the presidential role before reading the book. This can provide a good baseline for new information they learn.
Encourage your child to think critically about leadership qualities by relating situations in the book to personal experiences or current events.
Discuss the historical context of the 1850s with your child to give them a deeper understanding of the challenges that Fillmore faced during his presidency.
Highlight the relevance of past presidencies to today’s world to help your child see the continuity and changes in leadership over time.
Utilize maps or historical timelines to assist visual learners in placing Fillmore's presidency within a broader historical framework.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Millard Fillmore's rise from poverty to the presidency exemplifies how determination and hard work can lead to significant achievements, regardless of one's origins.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist in their endeavors, whether in academics or extracurricular activities, understanding that consistent effort can help them achieve their goals.
Example Lesson: Value of education
Explanation: The book portrays how Fillmore self-educated himself through voracious reading, highlighting how education was pivotal in shaping his career and presidency.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to appreciate and pursue learning, both within and outside of school, to prepare themselves for future opportunities.
Example Lesson: The impact of leadership
Explanation: As president, Fillmore's policies and decisions had lasting impacts on the country. The book explores the consequences of his actions, offering insights into the responsibilities of a leader.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to take leadership roles in small group activities or class projects, learning how their decisions can affect others.
Example Lesson: Importance of civic involvement
Explanation: Fillmore's active participation in politics from a young age emphasizes the role individuals play in shaping governmental policies and their community.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to become involved in community services or student council, teaching them the value of engagement in public affairs.