When I hear the holiday President's Day, I automatically think that it's a day that we celebrate all the Presidents.
Weeeellllll.... Uncle Same begs to differ.
This holiday was actually designed for George Washington's birthday!
Washington's actual birthday was February 22, and that's when the holiday was originally celebrated.
In 1968, however, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act , which designated the third Monday in February as Washington's Birthday, beginning in 1971.
"Presidents" Day later evolved from that after Abraham Lincoln whose birthday is also in February.
Most people could care less what the holiday is as long as they get a day off from it :)
This would be a great teaching window because you could research many other holidays that may or may not fall somewhat under the same circumstances as Presidents Day!
It also gives you an excuse to get into lessons about the Presidents of the United States!
HAPPY PRESIDENT'S DAY!! OR SHOULD I SAY HAPPY WASHINGTON DAY :)
Here's the link:
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2013/02/18/uncle-sam-says-its-not-presidents-day/?hpt=hp_t2
I think this is very interesting and would be especially interesting to students. It makes me wonder what other holidays have some secret meaning behind them....You are right, there are so many lessons that could branch out from this one day! Great post :)
ReplyDeleteWow! I did not know that. Your so right, this information could lead to several different lessons, from Presidents to researching other holidays. Great post!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Jessie. I think it would be great for students to study the history of holidays. Many times, we celebrate holidays and have no reason why. President's Day is a great way to incorporate so many lessons as you stated. Many times, we as teachers do not know the history of holidays and give students a flawed view of the holidays. Before teaching, we should do our research to give the students factual information.
ReplyDeleteThat is really interesting Jessie! WOW! I have always thought of President's Day as celebrating all Presidents, not just George Washington's Birthday! Thanks for the post! I enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post! I always thought President's Day was for celebrating all Presidents not just George Washington's birthday. This information, as stated above previously, would be great to discuss presidents or research other holidays; maybe even introduce other holidays that are not celebrated in the United States.
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