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I wanted to share a #holiday that falls on January 17 Benjamin Franklin Day #BenFranklinDay. If your #Homeschooling your children, I’ve created a Lesson Plan full of #HomeschoolResources you can use when teaching your children.
Remind your friends and family Benjamin Franklin Day celebrates the birthday of one of America’s most fascinating Founding Fathers. A man who seemed to have a hand in everything from science and invention to writing, diplomacy, and everyday wisdom. Benjamin Franklin Day is the perfect day to spark curiosity, share fun facts with the kids, and explore how Franklin’s creativity still inspires us today.
Fun Ways to Celebrate
- Share kid‑friendly trivia: Franklin invented bifocals, the lightning rod, and even a musical instrument called the glass armonica.
- Try a simple science activity: A static‑electricity balloon experiment is a safe, easy nod to his love of electricity.
- Read a Franklin quote together: His sayings are full of humor and wisdom — great for morning inspiration.
- Write a “modern invention idea” list: Let kids brainstorm what they’d invent if they were today’s Ben Franklin.
- Explore his love of books: Franklin founded the first public lending library — a perfect excuse for a family library trip.
Today we celebrate the inventor, writer, and Founding Father whose ideas still shape our world. From fun science experiments to family trivia time, Benjamin Franklin Day is a great day to spark creativity and learn something new.
Homeschool Lesson Plan (Grades K–8)- Benjamin Franklin Day– #BenFranklinDay
Learning Objectives
- understand Benjamin Franklin’s major contributions
- explore early American history through stories and activities
- practice critical thinking and creativity through invention challenges
- engage in a simple science activity inspired by Franklin’s curiosity
Suggested Schedule (60–90 minutes)
1. Morning Warm‑Up (10 minutes)
- Read a short kid‑friendly biography of Benjamin Franklin.
- Discuss what an inventor does and why Franklin loved experimenting.
- Ask a quick reflection question: “What would YOU invent to make life easier?”
2. History Mini‑Lesson (15 minutes)
Share 5–7 simple facts:
- He founded the first public library
- He invented bifocals
- He created the lightning rod
- He helped write the Declaration of Independence
- He published Poor Richard’s Almanack
- He loved books and learning
- He believed in community service and self‑improvement
Activity: Have kids draw one of Franklin’s inventions and label it.
3. Hands‑On Science Activity (15–20 minutes)
Static Electricty Balloon Experiment– A safe nod to Franklin’s interest in electricity
Materials: balloon, small paper pieces, clean aluminum can.
Steps:
- Rub the balloon on hair or fabric
- Hold it near paper pieces to watch them jump
- Roll an aluminum can using static charge
- Discuss why static electricity works
4. Creative Writing or Drawing (15 minutes)
Choose one:
- Write a “Dear Benjamin Franklin” letter asking him about his inventions.
- Create your own invention sketch with a name and purpose.
- Make a mini‑poster of Franklin’s famous quotes (kid‑friendly ones like “Well done is better than well said”).
5. Optional Extension Activities (10–20 minutes)
- Visit your local library– to honor Benjamin Franklin’s legacy.
- Make a colonial‑style snack– like apples, cheese, or simple biscuits.
- Play a “What Would Ben Do?” game– where kids solve silly problems using creativity.
- Watch a short educational video about Franklin – (PBS Kids, Liberty’s Kids, etc.).
Materials Needed
- Balloons
- Scrap paper
- Aluminum can
- Crayons or markers
- Notebook or printer paper
- Optional: library books or online biography
Wrap‑Up Discussion
- What surprised you most about Benjamin Franklin
- Which invention do you think helped people the most
- What invention would YOU create today
Benjamin Franklin Books for Kids of All Ages
Ages 3–6: Picture Books
“Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares” by Frank Murphy– A playful introduction to Franklin’s love of puzzles and patterns.
“A Picture Book of Benjamin Franklin” by David A. Adler– Gentle storytelling with warm illustrations for young learners.
“Who Was Ben Franklin?” (WhoHQ Picture Book Edition)- A simple, friendly overview of his life and inventions.
Ages 6–9: Early Readers & Short Chapter Books
“Ben Franklin and His First Kite” by Stephen Krensky– A charming early reader that highlights Franklin’s curiosity.
“Benjamin Franklin: Inventor, Statesman, and Patriot” by Pamela Hill Nettleton– Clear, accessible nonfiction for young independent readers.
“The Amazing Life of Benjamin Franklin” by James Cross Giblin- Rich illustrations and storytelling that keep kids engaged.
Ages 8–12: Middle Grade Nonfiction & Biographies
“Who Was Benjamin Franklin?” by Dennis Brindell Fradin– A kid‑favorite biography with fun illustrations and humor.
“Benjamin Franklin: A Man of Many Talents” by Carol Greene– Great for homeschool history units and reports.
“Benjamin Franklin: Young Printer” (Childhood of Famous Americans)– A narrative-style biography that reads like a story.
Ages 12+: Advanced Middle Grade & Young Teen
“Benjamin Franklin: An American Life” (Young Readers Edition)- A deeper dive into Franklin’s world, adapted for teens.
“The Many Lives of Benjamin Franklin” by Aliki– A thoughtful, visually rich look at his contributions.
The Ben Franklin Book of Easy and Incredible Experiments: A Franklin Institute Science Museum Book (The Franklin Institute Science Museum Series)– A fun way to connect science with history.
#BenjaminFranklinDay #FamilyLearning #FunFacts #HistoryForKids
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
