President Words Curious World | Ages 4+

Children notice who gets to make decisions. That is a good place to begin talking about government.

President Words introduces children ages 4+ to the language of U.S. public life through 16 words, from vote, leader and president to law, citizen, congress and peace. Recognizable places and objects, including the White House, the Capitol, flags and ballot boxes, give families something concrete to look at while they talk.

The conversation reaches beyond buildings. What does it mean to listen to another person's idea? How do people choose leaders? Why do communities have rules? Short explanations and picture questions connect these larger ideas with experiences young children can discuss, such as sharing a public space or helping a group decide what to do.

Four activities invite families to notice a public place, take turns leading, plan a park and preserve a memory. Caregiver notes add context about elections and the different jobs within government.

Part of Kala Early Learning Library's Curious World series, President Words suits family reading, early social studies conversations and library collections for young children.

For the child asking who is in charge, this book opens a wider question: how can people take care of a community together?