Future Historians: First Graders Dive into U.S. Presidents at Sacred Heart School, Waseca

Submitted by JACOB OLSON

At Sacred Heart School, history isn’t just a subject - it’s an adventure! Our first graders dive into the stories of America’s presidents, learning fascinating trivia that brings the past to life in a fun and engaging way.

More Than Just Names and Dates

While many students first encounter U.S. presidents in middle or high school, our first graders are already building a foundation in American history. They don’t just memorize names and dates; they discover interesting facts, inspiring stories, and fun details that make each president unique.

Did you know that John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826 - exactly 50 years after the Declaration of Independence? Or that Theodore Roosevelt was the youngest president ever sworn into office? Our students do! One of their favorite facts is that Grover Cleveland was the only president to serve two nonconsecutive terms - until Donald Trump.

The Value of Knowledge in a Skills-Driven World

In today’s education landscape, there is a strong emphasis on teaching critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills. While these are essential, they must be built upon a strong foundation of factual knowledge. You can’t think critically about history if you don’t know the history to begin with. Learning concrete facts - like who our presidents were, what they did, and how their leadership shaped the country - equips students with a deeper understanding of the world. A well-formed mind requires both knowledge and the ability to analyze it. At Sacred Heart, we ensure our students develop both.

Why Teach Presidential Trivia?

Memorization is often undervalued in modern education, but knowing key facts helps students make connections and build confidence in their learning. When they learn that Abraham Lincoln was a champion wrestler or that William Taft got stuck in a bathtub, history becomes real to them. They start asking great questions and making connections to what they see in the world today.

Blending Faith and Leadership

Beyond just fun facts, these lessons also instill values that align with our Catholic mission. As a Catholic school, we emphasize not just knowledge, but also the values of leadership, integrity, and service - qualities we hope our students will embody, just as many great leaders have before them. We highlight presidents who relied on faith and prayer, like George Washington, who often sought God’s guidance during the Revolutionary War. This helps our students see that leadership is not just about power, but about serving others.

A Love for Learning That Lasts

Sacred Heart’s focus on academic excellence and engaged learning ensures that students develop a lifelong love of history. Whether it’s through trivia games, classroom discussions, or reenacting historical moments, our first graders are well on their way to becoming informed and thoughtful citizens.

Want to test your own presidential knowledge? Stop by our first-grade classroom - you might just learn something new from our future historians!

Jacob Olson is the principal of Sacred Heart School in Waseca.