Theodore Roosevelt: The First Modern President

Pilot Lesson Plan

6/11/2003 

Goal / Objective: To have students identify actions T.R. took that impacted America of his day, today, and that clearly illustrates him as the ”first modern president.”

Pre-lesson (Tuesday, June 10): 

1. In Tuesday’s class we will view a biographical vignette video clip (American Presidents #1) of T.R. and briefly brainstorm what students learned about him in social studies classes throughout their academic career.

2. In preparation for Wednesday’s class students will complete a homework assignment that entails viewing a video clip (American Presidents #9) highlighting some “fun” aspects of T.R.’s life and reading his famous “man in the arena” quote. (see attachment  h.w. for assignment)

Lesson (Wednesday, June 11)

Period #1 class 8:05 – 8:55

1.       Class will begin with discussion / correction of the h.w.  The goal will be to engage the students in a conversation about the qualities of individuals they admire and of T.R.

2.       At this point we will videoconference with Clare Levy of C-SPAN.  Clare will discuss the goals of C-SPAN and our students use of their resources.

3.       This segment of class will begin with a brief “brainstorming session” to collectively identify what the class believes is a “modern president.”  Then students, individually and in groups, will view C-SPAN video clips and answer constructed response questions regarding them and an important T.R. quote. These answers will then be shared in class with a goal of identifying T.R as the First Modern President and his impact / influence on America.

4.       To ensure closure the class will analyze quotes from more modern presidents and identify how they were influenced by T.R. and took actions that were in the “mold” of T.R.

5.       Clare from C-SPAN will again be invited in to share her observations and comments.