Last updated: January 10, 2022
Lesson Plan
Facing Adversity
- Grade Level:
- Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
- Subject:
- Literacy and Language Arts,Social Studies
- Lesson Duration:
- 30 Minutes
- Common Core Standards:
- 6-8.RH.6, 6-8.RH.7, 6-8.WHST.4, 6-8.WHST.8
Essential Question
How can one overcome physical limitations and adversity to become influential?
Objective
Students will be able to explain how Theodore Roosevelt was able to overcome physical limitations and adversity to become one of the world’s most influential men of his time.
Background
Theodore Roosevelt is known as many things: A Rough Rider, hunter, conservationist, President, Politician. He was able to do great things in his life, but as a small child, (“Teedie” as he was referred to) things were much different. As Teedie recalls in his autobiography:
“I was a sickly, delicate boy, suffered much from asthma, and frequently had to be taken away on trips to find a place where I could breathe. One of my memories is that of my father walking up and down the room with me in his arms at night when I was a very small person, and of sitting up in bed gasping, with my father and mother trying to help me.” (p.14)
In his day, asthma was not very well known about, and the treatments were different than what we know of and treat asthma today. David Mucculough in his book Mornings on Horseback describe solutions to asthma including: “Children were given enemas, plunged into cold baths. Whiskey and Gin were used. Laudanum (opium mixed with wine), “vinegar of squills” a plant used for rat poison, and Indian Hemp [today called marijuana], that had been used in treating asthma in India for centuries…” Teedie recalls being made to smoke cigars and drink black coffee as a child. When he was sent away on trips to find better air, there was one he recalls vividly in his autobiography:
“I was sent off by myself to Moosehead Lake. On the stage-coach ride thither I encountered a couple of other boys who were about my own age, but very much more competent and also much more mischievous…They found that I was a foreordained and predestined victim, and industriously proceeded to make life miserable for me. The worst feature was that when I finally tried to fight them I discovered that either one singly could not only handle me with easy contempt, but handle me so as... to prevent my doing any damage whatever in return. I made up my mind that I must try to learn so that I would not again be put in such a helpless position...Accordingly, with my father's hearty approval, I started to learn to box.” (p. 30)
At a young age, Teedie’s father, challenged him: “You have the mind, but you don’t yet have the body. Without the body, the mind cannot go as far as it would otherwise. You must make your body. It’s going to be drudgery and hard work, but I know you can do it!” Teedie used a custom made gym his father had built on the outdoor piazza behind the house, and Teedie built his body. With a strong body, he was able to then lead a strenuous life full of adventure, travel and exploration.
Preparation
- Schedule field trip to Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site.
- Have access to and appropriate technology for Teedie Part 1 Video (or watch during field trip).
- Have access to and appropriate technology for Teedie Part 2 Video (or watch during field trip).
- Have access to appropriate technology to use Google’s Virtual Tour of the site if unable to participate in a field trip.
Materials
The accompanying worksheet to the "Facing Adversity" lesson plan
Procedure
- Prior to visiting Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthplace National National Historic Site, students should answer the question “What are some challenges you have faced as a child? Did you have any solutions?” This could be a whole class discussion or could be written on the board as a do now.
- Students should watch the Teedie Part 1 and Part 2 videos. Students should then take the Google Virtual Tour. Students should take notes during the movies and immediately after participating in the actual site tour and/or during the virtual tour.
- Students will fill graphic organizer with their observations of problems young Theodore faced and his solutions. This could be done independently or as small group work.
- Students will then use the information they have gathered to compose a short 1-page essay on the problems Theodore faced and his solutions. Students could also create a presentation in the form of a PowerPoint, poster, or other visual to show what they have learned.
Assessment Materials
Students should complete the problem/solution graphic organizer or record their findings using another manner. Students will then compose a 1-page essay explaining how the young Theodore Roosevelt was able to overcome his physical limitations and adversity.
Enrichment Activities
Additional stories that connect to this lesson plan: Theodore became very influential as an adult. Research these stories to discover what he was able to attain, and how it contributed to his legacy.
*TR's doctor visit during Harvard “You have a bad heart”
*TR: First president to leave USA while in office (to Panama)
*TR climbs Swiss Matterhorn
*TR trips to Europe, Africa, Brazil
*TR and sports (Jiujitsu, rowing, boxing horseback riding)
*TR: First president to fly in airplane.
*TR camping with John Muir
Additional reading:
Roosevelt, Theodore An Autobiography
McCullough, David, Mornings on Horseback