On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama will be inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States and America's first African-American president. Use these books, activities, and printables to help your students understand this historic occasion.

Introduce your students to President-elect Barack Obama by sharing these biographies for grades K-12. Read more about Obama's journey to the Oval Office, and put his victory in historical context using this "From Slavery to The White House" timeline. Then, have your students write a biography about America's first African-American president.

Or, grab scissors and tape to make a "The Life of Barack Obama" classroom poster using this PDF created with Timeliner XE! Or, use the ready-made Timeliner XE file of Obama’s life as a jumping-off point for discussion of his path to the presidency (Timeliner XE required).

With the economy in crisis, the nation at war, and America's image tarnished, Barack Obama has his work cut out for him. Teach your students about the challenges that President-elect Obama faces. Print out the special supplement, "America & the World: Challenges for the New President," for an in-depth look at the issues.

In preparation for Inauguration Day, younger students can chart the President's Busy First Day (grades 1-2) or become familiar with the vocabulary in the President's Oath of Office (grades 3-4). Older students can help President-elect Barack Obama write his Inaugural Address.

Find out how our Teacher Advisors are incorporating the Presidential Inauguration into their teaching.

Check back daily at Scholastic News Online for the latest developments.