Biography: Barack Obama

Barack Obama was born on 4th August 1961 in

Honolulu, Hawaii. His parents were called Ann and
Barack. Baracks mother was from Kansas in the
USA and his father was from Kenya in Africa.

Following his parents divorce, Baracks father

moved back to Kenya and his mother married a man
from Indonesia called Lolo.

At the age of 6, Barack, his mother and new

stepfather moved to Indonesia.

Aged 10, Barack returned to Hawaii to live with his grandmother, nicknamed
Toot, and his grandfather. Barack attended a school called Punahuo, where
he enjoyed playing basketball.

In 1981, Barack moved to New York to study politics at the University of

Columbia. Following his graduation, Barack worked for a time in Chicago.
Baracks father tragically died in a car crash in 1982 and in 1988, Barack took
a trip to his fathers birthplace, Kenya. Here he met his African step-
grandmother, Sarah Obama, and many other relatives.

In 1991, Barack graduated from Harvard Law School. He worked for a while
as a lawyer and then a professor.

In 1992, Barack married Michelle Robinson, a lawyer from Chicago. They

went on to have two girls, Malia and Sasha. Michelle was later to become
the First Lady of the United States.

In 1996 became a senator for Illinois. In November 2008, he was elected the
first African American President of the United States.

Barack was sworn into office on 20th January 2009. Barack and his family
now live in the Whitehouse in Washington DC, USA. Barack is the 44th
President of the United States.

www.teachitprimary.co.uk 2010 13569 Page 1 of 8

Biography: Barack Obama

1. Who is Barack Obama?

2. When was Barack Obama born?

3. Where was Barack Obama born?

4. What were Barack Obamas parents called?

5. Where was Barack Obamas father born?

6. What number President is Barack Obama?

7. Who did Barack Obama marry in 1992?

8. Where do Barack Obama and his family live now?

9. What makes Barack Obama different to all the previous presidents?

10. What was the name of the school in Hawaii where Barack Obama
enjoyed playing basketball?

11. Name Barack Obamas two children.

www.teachitprimary.co.uk 2010 13569 Page 2 of 8

Biography: Barack Obama

ANSWERS

1. Who is Barack Obama?

The President of the United States.

2. When was Barack Obama born?

4th August 1961.

3. Where was Barack Obama born?

Honolulu, Hawaii.

4. What were Barack Obamas parents called?

Ann and Barack.

5. Where was Barack Obamas father born?

Kenya, Africa.

6. What number President is Barack Obama?

The 44th.

7. Who did Barack Obama marry in 1992?

Michelle Robinson.

8. Where do Barack Obama and his family live now?

The White House, Washington DC, USA.

9. What makes Barack Obama different to all the previous presidents?

He is the first African American President of the United States.

10. What was the name of the school in Hawaii where Barack Obama
enjoyed playing basketball?
Punahuo.

11. Name Barack Obamas two children.

Malia and Sasha.

www.teachitprimary.co.uk 2010 13569 Page 3 of 8

Biography: Barack Obama

Carry out some research on the internet. Find pictures to enter into the
presidential gallery.

Barack Obama as a child President Barack Obama

Step-grandmother Sarah Obama Barack Obama Senior

The Whitehouse, Washington DC Barack, Michelle and the girls

Baracks mother Ann Barack Obama in Hawaii

www.teachitprimary.co.uk 2010 13569 Page 4 of 8

Biography: Barack Obama

Draw or paste in the flags for each of these countries. Find out two facts
about each country and write them down.

1.

2.

Kenya

1.

2.

Indonesia

1.

2.

USA

1.

2.

Hawaii
www.teachitprimary.co.uk 2010 13569 Page 5 of 8
Biography: Barack Obama

ANSWERS

Kenya Indonesia

USA Hawaii

www.teachitprimary.co.uk 2010 13569 Page 6 of 8

Biography: Barack Obama

Write a short autobiography about yourself.

You should include the following points:
name
date of birth
place of birth
where you live / have lived
what schools you attended
significant events in your life
My picture
hobbies and interests.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

www.teachitprimary.co.uk 2010 13569 Page 7 of 8

Biography: Barack Obama

1. Make a family tree of Barack Obamas relatives, and / or make one for
your own family.

2. Design a poster persuading people to vote for you as president.

3. Make a timeline of significant events in the life of Barack Obama.

4. Make a list of all 44 presidents of the USA and the years they were in
office.

5. Research the significance of Barack Obama in terms of him being the first
African American President.

6. Find out the meanings of the following key words and phrases:

First Lady graduated stepfather divorced

elected politics lawyer sworn in President

7. Write a letter to the President about an issue you feel strongly about.

8. Find out the middle name of Barack Obama.

www.teachitprimary.co.uk 2010 13569 Page 8 of 8