Social Studies Analyzing Letters Lesson Mrs Tupps Class

Social Studies Analyzing Letters Lesson Mrs. Tupps Class

What we are learning today: 5. 5. 08 Understand society in America during the Great Depression. › b. Describe how the Great Depression affected American society as a whole. › c. Explain how Americans addressed the social and economic problems brought on by the Great Depression.

Take a Look

What do you see?

Eleanor Roosevelt

A Brief History of Mrs. Roosevelt Who was she? › The First Lady to President Franklin D. Roosevelt When was she alive? › Born October 11, 1884 › Died November 7, 1962 No presidential wife served as First Lady for a period longer than did Eleanor Roosevelt – twelve years, one month, one week and one day. No First Lady served through two nationally traumatic events such as did Eleanor Roosevelt, presiding at the White House during the Great Depression and World War II.

What role did she play during the Era of the Great Depression? Mass Media and Communications Press Conferences Monthly Magazine Columnist Newspaper Column Radio Host Lecturer and Public Speaker Author Public Correspondence

Interesting Fact Dear Mrs. Robinson by Paul Simon was actually written about Mrs. Roosevelt. The song had original been titled Mrs. Roosevelt and was later renamed.

Letter written to Mrs. Roosevelt Sikeston, Missouri January 20, 1938 Dear Mrs. Roosevelt, I am writing this letter in hopes that you will answer in my favor. My father H. C. has been in bed from a stroke for almost a year. We have no money and my brother works but makes $3. 00 a week and there are eight in our family. My step-mother is very good to me and I try to help her. She takes in washings and I have to walk for six or eight blocks and then carry the washings home. I have to go of a morning before school and it has been very cold here. If you could send me a bicycle to ride when I go after washings for her I shall appreciate it. I am in eighth grade at school and work very hard to make passing grades. The Principal of the school bought two of my sisters and me a pair of slippers so we would not have to stay at home. If you would do this for me I shall be able to help my step-mother more. If you send me one I would like a girls bicycle. I am about 4 feet 3 inches tall so if you send me one you can judge as to what size. Loving and appreciating. A. L. C.

Mrs. Roosevelt’s response letter January 25, 1938 My dear A. L. C. : Mrs. Roosevelt asked me to acknowledge your letter. She is very sorry to hear of your parents' difficulties but regrets that she cannot do as you ask. She receives so many requests similar to yours that she finds it impossible to comply with them, much as she would like to do so. With many regrets, I am Very sincerely yours, Malvina T. Scheider Secretary to Mrs. Roosevelt

Group Activity 1. Read the letter at your table that was written to Mrs. Roosevelt › Can you relate to what this person is writing about or asking for? 2. Now write a response letter as if you were Mrs. Roosevelt herself. › How does your response letter compare to the actual response from Mrs. Roosevelt?

Let’s review what we learned today 5. 5. 08 Understand society in America during the Great Depression. Now let’s take a quiz! › http: //www. brainpop. com/socialstudies/fam oushistoricalfigures/eleanorroosevelt/quiz/