Each student researches a First Lady's background, accomplishments, and post-White House work, and then incorporates that information into an illustrated biography geared towards younger students. Review the Academic Content Standards related to this lesson. Define what they think the position of First Lady of the United States entails and the qualities that First Ladies should have. Explore the lives of assigned First Ladies of the United States. Create illustrated biographies of their assigned First Ladies geared towards younger students.
Students then share and compare their responses.
Place the slips of paper with the names of the First Ladies in a hat or bag, and have each student draw a name for the subject of brief biographical research. In a future class, students should present their biographies to the class. They may also take their biographies to a local elementary school for use as references in their classrooms and library. Students will be evaluated based on initial journal response, participation in class discussions, and thoughtful and thorough First Lady biographies that meet the criteria set in the lesson. Read and discuss biographies and memoirs of the First Ladies of the United States.