The Role of the First Lady

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

• If you were to write to the president or First Lady, what would you say to them?

Jot down some of the things you might address.

• Do your reasons have to do with any environmental, health care, or education issues?
• If they do, why might it make more sense to write to the First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) and not to the President of the United States (POTUS)?

The answer lies in Eleanor Roosevelt.

Before 1933, the First Lady of the United States was often doing work behind the scenes. During the Great Depression, when Franklin D. Roosevelt became president, his wife Eleanor became an important public figure.

She set forth certain initiatives. One of her huge concerns included the welfare of children.

1. In one minute, write down everything you already know about Eleanor Roosevelt.

2. Then read this biography about Eleanor Roosevelt.

• What did you learn about Mrs. Roosevelt that you did not know?

To better understand her position, watch this student-made video on the Great Depression and what life was like for the children who lived then.

Eleanor Roosevelt was very conflicted by what she saw on the nation's streets, especially when it came to the young.

During her twelve years as first lady, she set many new precedents, one of which involved dealing directly with the public and press. Never before had the wife of the president reached a hand directly to the people as Mrs. Roosevelt did.

Next, in the Got It? section, you will look at the response from the people.