Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, is known for his wisdom, leadership, and ability to navigate the country through its most challenging times. His words and actions continue to inspire people around the world, especially children, to value equality, justice, and perseverance. Lincoln’s life reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we can rise above and make a difference.
In this blog, we share a collection of Abraham Lincoln quotes for kids that highlight the importance of honesty, kindness, and standing up for what is right. These quotes encourage children to be brave, kind-hearted, and committed to making the world a better place.
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Why Teach Kids About Abraham Lincoln
Teaching kids about Abraham Lincoln helps them understand the values of honesty, fairness, and perseverance. His life shows that anyone, no matter where they come from, can make a difference through hard work and integrity. Lincoln’s commitment to equality and justice serves as a powerful example of leadership that cares for all people. By learning about his life and his work, children are inspired to practice these qualities in their own lives. Whether it’s standing up for what’s right, showing empathy, or working hard to reach their goals, teaching kids about Abraham Lincoln helps them grow into responsible, caring individuals who strive to make the world a better place.
11 Abraham Lincoln Quotes for Kids
#1 “Whatever you are, be a good one.” – Abraham Lincoln
No matter what you choose to do, give it your best.
Being proud of your work comes from effort, not titles. It’s not what you do, but how you do it.
Journal Prompt: What’s something you want to get better at doing well?
#2 “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln
Your choices today shape your tomorrow.
You don’t have to wait for the future—you can start building it one decision at a time.
Journal Prompt: What’s one thing you can do today to help your future self?
#3 “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” – Abraham Lincoln
Happiness is a choice, not just a feeling.
You can’t always control what happens, but you can control how you respond.
Journal Prompt: What’s one way you can choose happiness today?
#4 “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” – Abraham Lincoln
Putting things off doesn’t make them go away.
Facing your tasks today helps you feel stronger and more prepared for what’s ahead.
Journal Prompt: What’s something important you don’t want to put off?
#5 “I am a slow walker, but I never walk back.” – Abraham Lincoln
Moving forward matters more than moving fast.
Progress happens step by step, and every step counts—even small ones.
Journal Prompt: What’s a goal you are slowly but surely working toward?
#6 “When I do good, I feel good.” – Abraham Lincoln
Kindness and honesty make you proud of who you are.
Doing the right thing not only helps others—it helps you grow.
Journal Prompt: What’s something kind or helpful you’ve done recently?
#7 “No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar.” – Abraham Lincoln
Telling the truth is simpler and stronger.
Lies can get tangled, but honesty builds trust and confidence.
Journal Prompt: Why is it important to be honest, even when it’s hard?
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!
#8 “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.” – Abraham Lincoln
Freedom must be shared to be real.
Everyone deserves to be treated with fairness and respect.
Journal Prompt: What does freedom mean to you?
#9 “My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side.” – Abraham Lincoln
Focus on doing what is right, not just what is popular.
Being guided by good values helps you stand strong.
Journal Prompt: What helps you know if something is the right thing to do?
#10 “Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow.” – Abraham Lincoln
Who you are matters more than what others say about you.
Your actions build your character—and that’s what really lasts.
Journal Prompt: What kind of person do you want to be known as?
#11 “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.” – Abraham Lincoln
Determination is more powerful than obstacles.
Success starts with believing in yourself and staying committed.
Journal Prompt: What’s something you are determined to achieve?
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Ways to Use These Quotes
- Lincoln Reflection Journals: After reading an Abraham Lincoln quote for kids, encourage children to keep a journal where they reflect on the quote and how it applies to their own lives. They can write about times when they’ve been honest, faced challenges, or stood up for others.
- Leadership Role Play: Share an Abraham Lincoln quote for kids and role-play different leadership situations with your child. For example, they can practice being a leader in a group, making decisions, or helping others solve problems. This activity helps kids understand the importance of leadership and integrity.
- Goal-Setting Activity: Use an Abraham Lincoln quote for kids to inspire kids to set their own goals. Talk to them about how Lincoln never gave up on his goals, even when facing setbacks, and help them identify a goal they want to achieve. This teaches perseverance and dedication.
- Kindness Challenge: After reading an Abraham Lincoln quote for kids, challenge your child to perform an act of kindness each day. Whether it’s helping a friend, saying something nice, or sharing, this activity helps kids understand the power of kindness and empathy, just as Lincoln demonstrated.
- Honesty Role-Playing: Share an Abraham Lincoln quote for kids about honesty and create role-playing scenarios where kids have to make honest choices, even when it’s hard. This helps children understand the importance of honesty and integrity in their daily lives.
- Understanding Equality: Use an Abraham Lincoln quote for kids to discuss the value of equality and fairness. Encourage kids to think about ways they can make everyone feel equal and included, whether in school, at home, or in their community.
Additional Resources
Abraham Lincoln Books For Kids
- Early Elementary Children (Ages 3-6)
- Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
- Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
Abraham Lincoln Activities For Kids
- Honesty Jar: After reading an Abraham Lincoln quote for kids, create an “Honesty Jar” where kids write down times they’ve been honest or helped others in a positive way. This activity helps reinforce Lincoln’s commitment to integrity and honesty.
- Abraham Lincoln Collage: Share an Abraham Lincoln quote for kids and encourage children to create a collage about Lincoln’s life and accomplishments. They can include images of his famous speeches, his leadership during the Civil War, and his efforts to abolish slavery.
- Lincoln’s Dream Poster: After reading an Abraham Lincoln quote for kids, have children create a poster that reflects Lincoln’s dream of a united country. They can include symbols of freedom, equality, and justice, helping them understand the significance of his vision.
- Leadership Pledge: Share an Abraham Lincoln quote for kids and encourage kids to create a leadership pledge where they promise to act with kindness, honesty, and fairness in their lives. This activity encourages kids to live out the values Lincoln embodied.
More Ideas For Parents & Caregivers
- Create a Legacy of Kindness: Use an Abraham Lincoln quote for kids to emphasize the importance of leaving a positive legacy. Teach kids to treat others with kindness and respect, so they can make a difference in the lives of others, just as Lincoln did in his time.
- Foster Responsibility: Share an Abraham Lincoln quote for kids and encourage your child to take responsibility for their actions. Teach them that being accountable for their decisions helps build character, just as Lincoln was responsible for leading a nation.
- Talk About the Power of Words: Use an Abraham Lincoln quote for kids to discuss the power of words and communication. Lincoln was known for his speeches that inspired change—encourage your child to use their words thoughtfully and positively to make a difference.
What’s Your Favorite Abraham Lincoln Quote?
Abraham Lincoln’s life and legacy remind us of the importance of integrity, fairness, and perseverance. The Abraham Lincoln quotes for kids shared today inspire us to act with kindness, stand up for justice, and work toward the greater good. Let’s continue to encourage kids to embrace these values and live them out every day, just as Lincoln did during his life.
What is your favorite Abraham Lincoln Quote from the post, or do you have another? Share it by tagging me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches. I would love to see!
Bye for now,
Prima from LittleYellowStar
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