NOTE: Our Social Studies program is done for the season, but stay tuned for more upcoming opportunities for kids to learn and explore!

Saturdays in June: Offered at 10am

Bring your young learner to President Lincoln’s Cottage to nurture social and emotional skills through interactive storytelling, hands-on activities, and reflection. Join us for one session or for the whole month!

The program was developed for ages 2-8, but children of all ages are welcome to participate. Adults do not need to purchase additional tickets.

Each program begins with a book reading and ends with a hands-on activity!

  • SINGLE AND SERIES TICKETS HERE

ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA?

Saturday, June 3, 10 AM

While living at the Cottage, President Lincoln developed his ideas on the Civil War and emancipation and turned these ideas into action. With some courage and support, he developed his brave ideas by taking notes and keeping them safe in his signature stovepipe hat. Lincoln’s unique note-taking practice serves as a model to early learners as they develop their own creative ideas and problem-solving skills on everyday decisions and complex issues.

In this program, participants will…

  • Group reading of What Do You Do With An Idea? by New York Times Best Selling Author Kobi Yamada and Illustrated by Mae Bessom
  • Brainstorm your own brave ideas and create a stove-pipe hat that you can take home

THE RABBIT LISTENED

Saturday, June 10, 10 AM

While living at the Cottage, President Lincoln led the country through the Civil War and Emancipation. As a leader, Lincoln used his incredible listening skills not only to hear others, but to also provide comfort and empathy. We, too, can cultivate awareness and understanding by listening with our ears and hearts.

In this program, participants will…

  • Participate in a group reading of The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
  • Engage in a guided discussion on how listening can help us cultivate social awareness and relationship skills
  • Create an imaginative accessory to help you practice your active listening skills

LOVE

Saturday, June 17, 10 AM

While living at the Cottage, President Lincoln led the country through the Civil War and Emancipation. As a leader, Lincoln worked collaboratively with others to achieve goals. These kinds of collaborative skills are vital to forging and maintaining healthy relationships. We, too, can cultivate healthy relationships with the people we love.

In this program, participants will…

  • Participate in a group reading of Love by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Loren Long
  • Engage in a guided discussion about building loving relationships with others and oneself
  • Create a keepsake puzzle that displays all the love you hold in your heart

MAYBE

Saturday, June 24, 10 AM

While living at the Soldiers’ Home, Lincoln made nation-changing decisions, most notably the Emancipation Proclamation. While here, President Lincoln persisted despite moments of self-doubt and a fear that he might fail. He overcame his struggles because a united country and freedom for all was a dream worth fulfilling.

Children and their grown-ups join President Lincoln’s Cottage in an exploration of their dreams while learning that they have the potential to make them come true.

In this program, participants will…

  • Enjoy a group reading of Maybe: A Story About the Endless Potential in All of Us by New York Times Best Selling Author Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Gabriella Barouch
  • Create a fairy light jar to store your hopes and dreams