Ronald Reagan Teacher Resources

Ronald Reagan, the 40th president of the United States, was known affectionately as “The Gipper” and respectfully as “The Great Communicator.” Famous for his charm, optimism, and moral fortitude, Reagan successfully steered the United States out of the Cold War and toward the end of the 20th century.

Focusing on Reagan’s oratorical and political successes, as well as the legacy of his presidency, is an important part of any American history unit. Luckily, our teacher team has curated and reviewed a wealth of resources for the occasion!

For an overview of Reagan’s presidency, check out a high-quality video from Crash Course. A research project prompts young historians to explore the balanced federal budget from the Reagan administration to modern times. Learners can also examine Reagan’s use of executive powers in both foreign and domestic situations with an informative lesson plan.

Create an interdisciplinary lesson between social studies and language arts with a series of activities on Ronald Reagan’s oratory. A video of the full inaugural address from 1981 encapsulates Reagan’s skill with persuasive language and oratorical techniques, while a short comprehension activity focuses on the former president’s ability to personally address his nation after the 1986 Challenger explosion.

Additionally, students can compare and contrast speeches by Reagan and John F. Kennedy, Jr. regarding the American Dream, or speeches by Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev addressing foreign policy during the Cold War. The possibilities for learning about and celebrating the advances made during the Reagan administration are endless at Lesson Planet!