This photo of former US President Donald Trump hit the headlines in August 2023. It’s his booking photo, or mugshot, the first ever of an American president facing criminal charges. But, could he really go from president to prisoner?
This resources pack includes an article from First News, along with a sheet of activities designed to get children thinking, talking and writing about what the story means to them.
Oracy
It might seem strange to us that a person who has been charged with so many crimes has a real chance of becoming president, but is it any of our business who is chosen to lead another nation? Surely, in a democratic country such as the USA, it’s up to its own citizens to decide.
How would we feel if other places gave their opinions on whom we were voting for? Or is it right to be concerned if someone who is strongly suspected of bad behaviour might become a world leader?
Should we make our opinions heard, even if we can’t vote in their elections? Isn’t it especially worrying if it is one of our traditional allies, such as the USA? What do you think?
Writing skills
Write a detailed description of Mr Trump’s mugshot, perhaps for someone who is visually impaired. As well as describing his physical features as accurately as you can, give an indication of what you think he was feeling when it was taken. Feel free to use figurative language such as similes and metaphors if you like.
Or
Look up the lyrics of the children’s song Nellie the Elephant, which just happens to use the word ‘trump’ (to mean a loud stamping noise) a number of times. Rewrite the lyrics (or at least the first verse and the chorus) to make the song about Donald Trump. It can be as complimentary or critical of him as you like but try to keep to the same rhyming and rhythmic structure as the original.
Investigate
Find out the names of the last ten presidents of the United States. As an extra challenge, indicate how long each one was in power (four or eight years).
What is First News?
Launched in May 2006, First News is the most trusted weekly newspaper for young audiences, covering global headlines and empowering children with an understanding of the world in which they are growing up.
To find out more about how First News could help your school unlock the power of news-based learning, through high quality, weekly resources alongside the print and digital newspaper, visit the First News Education website.