My Own Oval Office

What would it be like to be a U.S. President? Design your own Oval Office in the White House, decorated with your favorite things!

• 1.

  Research the White House and find out the importance of the Oval Office to the history and government of the United States. Find pictures of the Oval Office (in current or past administrations) and the Presidential seal. Gather information about the architecture and living and working areas of the building. Find out about security measures to protect the president. What famous events in history have taken place inside the Oval Office?

• 2.

  Imagine what it would be like to be the U.S. President and work in the White House. To make a replica of the Oval Office that you might use, find a recycled box with high sides. Cut out the front and half of the side panels with Crayola® Scissors for your diorama.

• 3.

  Cut poster board to fit inside the box. With Crayola Colored Pencils, sketch in three large windows with long drapes and a valance.

• 4.

  Cover your work area with newspaper. Paint the windows, walls, and drapes with Crayola Tempera Paint and Crayola Paint Brushes. Paint a sheet of construction paper royal blue for the rug. Dry.

• 5.

  Add molding or other decorative elements to the poster board with Crayola Fine Tip Markers.

• 6.

  On white construction paper, draw, color with markers, and cut out a fireplace with a mantle. Create a picture of your favorite president or painting, bookshelves, or any other items you would like to include in your office. Draw and cut out the U.S. and

• 7.

  On white construction paper, sketch the round Presidential Seal of office with colored pencils. Fill it in with Crayola Markers and cut it out. Glue it to the middle of the painted blue paper to form the Oval Office Presidential rug. Add authentic red and

• 8.

  Use recycled boxes and cardboard to create your desk, sofa, and chairs. Cut and glue pieces as necessary. Paint the furniture, dry, and place it in the office.

• 9.

  With Crayola Model Magic, create a globe, phone, and other office equipment. Place them in your office. What would your first presidential act be?

Benefits

• Students gather information about the architectural design, famous rooms, living areas and working areas, and the security measures of the U.S. White House.
• Students realize the importance of the Oval Office to the country's president and its history.
• Students create their own miniature Oval Office diorama, designing the office as if they were president.

Adaptations

• Research details about White House construction and decoration. Students with special needs will find photographs and written descriptions especially helpful.
• Develop an understanding of how the president is elected and the roles and responsibilities of the office. Explore the lives and work of career politicians.
• Create other famous areas of the White House such as the Lincoln Bedroom, State Dining Room, or the Green Room. Build the outside of the White House choosing either the North or South Portico. <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/">See The White House.</a>
• Discover interesting facts about the Presidential rug found in the Oval Office.