As a teacher, one of the topics that you’ll inevitably have to teach about – and likely in some ways already have – is Donald Trump. Whether your students view him positively or negatively, they must receive a proper and fair education on the 45th President of the United States.
But how do we, as teachers, effectively address his presidency – one that will inform our students correctly while allowing diverse opinions? In this blog post, we’ll explore what approaches work well when teaching about Donald Trump so that you can prepare to engage your students thoughtfully and constructively.
Key Achievements of Donald Trump
Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, has had a prolific career in business, entertainment, and politics. Here are some of his key achievements:
1. Real Estate Empire: Trump’s real estate empire spans worldwide with properties in New York City, Chicago, Las Vegas, and many other cities. He is known for his luxurious hotels, resorts, and golf courses.
2. Best-Selling Author: Trump has authored numerous books, including “The Art of the Deal,” which became a bestseller and a cultural phenomenon. His other books include “Trump: The Art of the Comeback,” “Trump: How to Get Rich,” and “Great Again: How to Fix Our Crippled America.”
3. Television Star: Trump hosted and produced the reality TV show “The Apprentice,” which became a cultural phenomenon and made him a household name. He won an Emmy for the show in 2004.
4. Philanthropy: Trump has donated millions to charities, including the American Red Cross, the Eric Trump Foundation, and the Police Athletic League. 2016 he presented his entire presidential salary to the National Park Service.
5. Political Career: Trump ran for President in 2016 and won, becoming the first president without prior military or political experience. He enacted policies such as tax reform, deregulation, and criminal justice reform during his tenure.
Overall, Trump’s achievements span a variety of fields, from business to entertainment to politics. While controversial, his impact on American culture and politics is undeniable.
Timeline of Donald Trump’s Life
Here is a timeline of the critical events in Donald Trump’s life:
- 1946: Donald John Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York City.
- 1968: Trump graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in economics.
- 1971: Trump became the President of his father’s real estate company, The Trump Organization.
- 1977: He married Ivana Zelnickova. They had three children together: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric.
- The 1980s: Trump became a household name for his lavish lifestyle and real estate deals. He built Trump Tower in Manhattan and acquired numerous other properties.
- The 1990s: Trump faced financial troubles and filed for bankruptcy several times, but he also experienced success with the launch of his reality TV show “The Apprentice.”
- The 2000s: Trump continued to expand his real estate empire and launched a successful line of clothing and other merchandise under his name.
- 2015: Trump announced his candidacy for President of the United States.
- 2016: Trump won the Republican presidential nomination and ran against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. In a surprising upset, Trump won the election and became the 45th president of the United States.
- 2017-2021: As President, Trump implemented policies such as tax reform, deregulation, and criminal justice reform. He also faced numerous controversies, including investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election and impeachment proceedings in 2019.
- 2021: Trump left office on January 20, 2021, after losing the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden. He continues to be a significant figure in American politics and culture.
Key Controversies in Donald Trump’s Life
Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States, has been involved in numerous controversies throughout his personal and political life. Here are some of the critical controversies:
1. Trump University: Trump was sued for fraud by former students of his real estate seminar program, Trump University. He paid a $25 million settlement in 2016.
2. Access Hollywood tape: In 2016, a video was released of Trump making lewd comments about women in a conversation with TV presenter Billy Bush. The words were widely criticized, and some Republican officials withdrew their support for Trump.
3. Russia investigation: Trump was investigated for possible collusion with Russia during the 2016 election. Special counsel Robert Mueller conducted the study, and while it did not find evidence of collusion, it did uncover several instances of potential obstruction of justice by Trump.
4. Impeachment: Trump was impeached twice during his presidency in 2019 over allegations that he had pressured Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden and again in 2021 over his role in inciting the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol. He was acquitted both times by the Senate.
5. Muslim ban: In 2017, Trump signed an executive order banning travel from several predominantly Muslim countries. The order was widely condemned as discriminatory and was ultimately struck down by federal courts.
6. Charlottesville: In 2017, Trump faced backlash for responding to the violent white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. He initially refused to condemn the white supremacists, saying there were “wonderful people on both sides.”
These are just a few controversies surrounding Trump throughout his life and political career.
Teaching Children about Donald Trump in School
Teaching children about politics can be sensitive and controversial, especially when discussing past presidents like Donald Trump. However, students need to understand the history and impact of all presidents, even those whose legacies are divisive. Here are some tips for teaching children about Donald Trump in school:
1. Be objective: It is essential to objectively present information about Donald Trump without bias or political agenda. Provide factual information about his presidency, policies, and controversies.
2. Encourage critical thinking: Help students develop their necessary thinking skills by asking them to evaluate Trump’s actions and policies. Please encourage them to form their own opinions based on research and analysis.
3. Discuss political civility: Given the divisiveness of Trump’s presidency, it is essential to discuss political courtesy and respect for differing opinions. Encourage students to listen to and understand different perspectives, even if they disagree.
4. Address sensitive topics with sensitivity: Some controversies surrounding Trump may involve sensitive topics such as race, religion, and gender. It is vital to address these topics with sensitivity and empathy and to create a safe environment for students to ask questions and share their thoughts.
5. Incorporate various sources: Use multiple sources to provide a well-rounded view of Trump’s presidency. This could include news articles, primary source documents, speeches, and biographies.
By teaching children about Donald Trump thoughtfully and objectively, we can help them understand the complexity of politics and develop critical thinking skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Lesson Plan 1: Understanding the Presidency of Donald Trump
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the key events and policies of Donald Trump’s presidency.
- Evaluate the impact of Donald Trump’s presidency on American politics and society.
Introduction:
- Introduce the topic of Donald Trump’s presidency to the class. Please encourage students to share what they know about Trump and what they want to learn more about.
Main Teaching Points:
- Discuss the significant policies enacted under Trump’s presidency, such as tax reform, immigration policy, and criminal justice reform.
- Evaluate how these policies impacted American society and politics.
- Examine the controversies surrounding Trump’s presidency and how they affected his approval ratings and public perception.
- Discuss the significance of Trump’s role in American politics and how it may influence future elections.
Key Questions:
- What were some of the significant policies enacted under Donald Trump’s presidency?
- In what ways did these policies impact American society and politics?
- What were some of the controversies surrounding Trump’s presidency?
- How did these controversies affect his approval ratings and public perception?
- What is the significance of Trump’s role in American politics?
Adaptations for Learners:
- For younger learners: Use visuals and simplified language to explain key events and policies.
- For advanced learners: Encourage students to research and analyze different perspectives on Trump’s presidency and policies.
Reflections:
- At the end of the lesson, please encourage students to reflect on what they have learned about Trump’s presidency. Ask them to share their thoughts on how his presidency impacted American politics and society.
Lesson Plan 2: Examining Controversial Comments by Donald Trump
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze controversial comments made by Donald Trump during his presidency.
- Evaluate the impact of these comments on society and public perception.
Introduction:
- Introduce the topic of controversial comments made by Donald Trump during his presidency. Ask students if they have heard any of these comments and how they felt about them.
Main Teaching Points:
- Discuss some of the controversial comments made by Trump during his presidency, such as his comments about women, immigrants, and minorities.
- Analyze the impact of these comments on society and public perception.
- Evaluate the role of free speech in politics and culture.
- Discuss strategies for responding to controversial statements and promoting positive discourse.
Key Questions:
- What were some of the controversial comments made by Donald Trump during his presidency?
- How did these comments impact society and public perception?
- What is the role of free speech in politics and society?
- How can we respond to controversial comments and promote positive discourse?
Adaptations for Learners:
- For younger learners: Use age-appropriate language to explain key concepts and events.
- For advanced learners: Encourage students to research and analyze different perspectives on free speech and controversial comments.
Reflections:
- At the end of the lesson, please encourage students to reflect on what they have learned about controversial comments made by Donald Trump. Ask them to share their thoughts on responding to controversial comments and promoting positive discourse.
Lesson Plan 3: Understanding Presidential Elections Using Donald Trump as a Case Study
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the process of presidential elections in the United States.
- Analyze the factors that contributed to Donald Trump’s victory in the 2016 presidential election.
- Evaluate the impact of Donald Trump’s candidacy and presidency on American politics and society.
Introduction:
- Introduce the topic of presidential elections in the United States and their significance. Ask students if they know how presidents are elected and what factors influence election outcomes.
Main Teaching Points:
- Discuss the process of presidential elections in the United States, including the electoral college system and primary elections.
- Analyze the factors that contributed to Donald Trump’s victory in the 2016 presidential election, such as his campaign strategy and messaging.
- Evaluate the impact of Donald Trump’s candidacy and presidency on American politics and society, including the polarization of political views and the rise of populist movements.
Key Questions:
- How are presidents elected in the United States?
- What factors contribute to election outcomes?
- What were some of the factors that contributed to Donald Trump’s victory in the 2016 presidential election?
- How did Donald Trump’s candidacy and presidency impact American politics and society?
Adaptations for Learners:
- For younger learners: Use visuals and simplified language to explain key concepts and events.
- For advanced learners: Encourage students to research and analyze different perspectives on presidential elections and the impact of Donald Trump’s candidacy and presidency.
Reflections:
- At the end of the lesson, please encourage students to reflect on what they have learned about presidential elections and the impact of Donald Trump’s candidacy and presidency. Ask them to share their thoughts on how elections can influence society.
Lessons Children Can Learn from Donald Trump’s Presidency
Although the presidency of Donald Trump has been controversial, it offers valuable lessons for children to learn about politics, leadership, and society. Here are some key lessons children can learn from Trump’s presidency:
1. The importance of civic engagement: Trump’s presidency galvanized many Americans to become more politically active and engaged in their communities. Children can learn about the power of grassroots movements and how individuals can make a difference in shaping the political landscape.
2. The role of media and propaganda: Trump’s relationship with the media was fraught with tension and controversy. Children can learn about the impact of media on politics and society and how to differentiate between facts and propaganda.
3. The consequences of divisive language: Trump’s rhetoric often stoked division and polarization in American society. Children can learn the importance of respectful discourse and how divisive language can harm individuals and communities.
4. The power of resilience: Despite facing numerous controversies and setbacks, Trump remained resilient and continued to pursue his goals. Children can learn about the importance of perseverance and bouncing back from adversity.
5. The complexity of politics: Trump’s presidency highlighted the complexity of politics and the challenges of governing diverse populations. Children can learn the importance of compromise, negotiation, and collaboration in achieving political goals.
By learning about Trump’s presidency, children can develop a deeper understanding of the political process and the impact of leaders on society. They can also gain valuable critical thinking, civic engagement, and empathy skills.
Overall, teaching students about President Donald Trump is a challenging task. Teachers can easily lead their classes through this topic by being neutral, understanding the political environment, and having open conversations. If we look at things from an unbiased standpoint and keep our minds open, we can find the best path for teaching children about the life of President Donald Trump.
Learning about history has always been challenging with these tools! We hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about Donald Trump and his life as our nation’s President. If you have any other questions or want to learn more – don’t hesitate to reach out! And if you’re interested in reading more articles about educational topics for children and teenagers, check out our other articles!
FAQ: How to Teach Politics in School
Teaching politics in school can be a sensitive and complex topic. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about how to conduct politics in school:
Q: Is it appropriate to teach politics in school?
A: Yes, it is appropriate to teach politics in school. Understanding politics is essential for students to become informed and engaged citizens.
Q: How can I teach politics objectively?
A: To teach politics objectively, present information from multiple sources, and encourage students to analyze and evaluate different perspectives. Avoid promoting any political agenda or bias.
Q: What age is appropriate to start teaching politics?
A: The age at which to start teaching politics depends on the student’s maturity level and the topics’ complexity. Younger students can learn about basic concepts such as democracy and leadership, while older students can delve into specific policies and controversies.
Q: How can I address controversial topics in politics?
A: Address controversial topics sensitively and respectfully. Encourage students to listen to and understand different perspectives, even if they disagree. Provide factual information and avoid making value judgments.
Q: How can I engage students in learning about politics?
A: Engage students using interactive methods such as debates, simulations, and case studies. Use real-world examples to illustrate key concepts and make connections to students’ lives.
Q: How can I support diverse viewpoints in teaching politics?
A: Support diverse viewpoints by creating a safe space for students to express their opinions and ask questions. Encourage respectful discourse and avoid silencing or dismissing student perspectives.
Q: How can I avoid crossing ethical boundaries in teaching politics?
A: To avoid crossing ethical boundaries, maintain a neutral and objective stance, avoid promoting personal biases, and respect student privacy. Seek guidance from the school administration if you feel uncertain about addressing a particular topic.
Teaching politics in school can be challenging but rewarding. By approaching the topic with an open mind and a commitment to objectivity, educators can prepare students to become informed and engaged citizens.
