Lesson Plan

Theodore’s Childhood Influences

black and white portrait of young Theodore Roosevelt
Grade Level:
Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
Subject:
Literacy and Language Arts
Lesson Duration:
30 Minutes
State Standards:
RH.6-8.2
RH.6-8.7
WHST.6-8.4
WHST.6-8.6
WHST.6-8.8

Essential Question

How can childhood items and/or experiences influence your adult life?

Objective

Students will be able to recognize important objects or items from Theodore’s Childhood and explain the connections or influence it had on his adult life.

Background

Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, lived at this site from his birth on October 27, 1858 until he was 13 years old. He was born to wealthy parents Theodore “Thee” Roosevelt Sr. & Martha “Mittie” Bullock Roosevelt. He had 3 siblings: an older sister Anna (nicknamed “Bamie”), a younger brother Elliot (“Nell” for short- and who was to be the future father of Eleanor Roosevelt), and a younger sister Corinne (“Connie” for short). In 1872, after the family had returned from a trip overseas, they moved directly into a mansion at 6 W. 57th St. Later in his life, Theodore would build a home in Oyster Bay named Sagamore Hill. Teedie, as young Roosevelt was nicknamed, was a sickly, but bright boy. He was near-sighted & had severe asthma. To improve his health, Teedie began an exercise program at the house's outdoor gymnasium that started a lifelong passion for the "strenuous life." As a young child he had an innate interest in the outdoors, particularly ornithology (birds), and reading. He would travel much when he was young, including taking two grand tours of Europe. The second tour included a stint in the Holy lands. The family spent time travelling the Nile River on a Dahabeah (house boat). During that trip, Theodore collected over 200 specimens of birds for his personal “Roosevelt Museum” collection, which he continued as he moved to Harvard college for study. In college, TR decided to pursue natural history, and it was at Harvard where TR would meet his future 1st wife, Alice Hathaway Lee. After realizing that to study natural history meant a long time behind the microscope, TR decided to forgo his naturalist interests and pursue law. After 1 year of law, he quit, & pursued politics instead. Over the course of his 60 year life, Roosevelt was a rancher, naturalist, explorer, author, and Colonel of the Rough Riders. His political service included reforming the U.S. Civil Service Commission and New York City Police Department, and terms as Governor of New York and Vice President of the U.S.Theodore Roosevelt became President when William McKinley was assassinated in September, 1901. As President, Roosevelt pushed progressive reforms, such as conservation of public lands and trust busting, and negotiated an end to the war between Russia and Japan, for which he won a Nobel Peace Prize.Roosevelt's original birthplace was demolished in 1916. After Roosevelt's death in 1919, the site was purchased by the Women's Roosevelt Memorial Association, and then reconstructed by Theodote Pope Riddle and decorated with many of its original furnishings by Roosevelt's sisters and wife.

Preparation

Have a copy of the worksheet for each student.

Technology to display virtual tour for either a whole group, small groups, or independently.

Materials

This is the worksheet that supplements "Theodore's Childhood Influences" lesson plan.

Download Worksheet

Procedure

  1. Students should take the Virtual Tour without reading any of the captions.  If taking the ranger-guided tour, students should write down one object they notice in each room before learning about the room. Teacher should model an example. 
  2. Students should also fill in the second column which requires them to think about the items significance on Theodore’s adult life.    
  3.  Students should complete the tour. 
  4. After the tour, students should complete the last column. If something they noticed was not explained during the tour, students should try to research its significance or ask the ranger if there is time. 
  5. Students should work in a small group to compare their charts with their peers.
  6. Students should write an essay explaining the objects/items visible in Theodore’s home and their significance on his adult life. (If taking the ranger guided tour, some of the influential items may be people). Students should also include items they learned about from the tour but may not have initially observed for their chart. 

Assessment Materials

Assessment

Students should complete the attached worksheet or similar organizer designed by teacher or student.  Students will then compose an essay explaining how the objects/items visible in Theodore’s home and their significance on his adult life.  (If taking the ranger guided tour, some of the influential items may be people).  Students should also include items they learned about from the tour but may not have initially observed for their chart.

Add-ons:

  1.  Present to class verbally.
  2. Create a Powerpoint with significant items on the slides.
  3. Create a poster. 

Contact Information

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Tags: theodore roosevelt tr childhood lesson plan theodore roosevelt birthplace

Last updated: December 28, 2021