Academic Programs –> FDR Memorial and Mary McLeod Bethune Council House

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and Mary McLeod Bethune Council House

A student joins the Depression-era bread line at the FDR Memorial. Students learn more about FDR's speeches and fireside chats from a park ranger. A student investigates some of the New Deal programs show on the wall.   At the Bethune Council House, students view the table where the National Council of Negro Women met.

Pre-trip lessons: During this unit students learn about two important American leaders: Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune over the course of two pre-trip lessons. First, they study the presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the tumultuous years he was in office. In particular, students examine the Great Depression, FDR’s New Deal programs, and World War II. During the second pre-trip lesson, students explore Mary McLeod Bethune’s contributions as an educator, tireless activist for the rights of African Americans and women, and advisor to FDR. Trip: Students begin with a stop at the National Council of Negro Women’s Council House, where Bethune also lived during her time in DC. During the tour of the home, students share their knowledge of Bethune, while learning new things about her life and work. Then, students are transported to the FDR Memorial, where they receive a guided tour and further explore FDR’s presidency and the major historical events that tested his leadership and the nation as a whole. Post-trip lesson: As a culminating activity, students reflect of the legacy left by Mrs. Bethune. Students write about which part of the legacy is most important to them, and how they are (or can in the future) live up to that legacy. Students also test their knowledge of Great Depression-era history as they compete in a collaborative review game and take written assessments. Academic Standards:  Reading (5.LT-C.1, 5.W-E.3); Mathematics (5.NSO-C.17, 5.NSO-F.10); Social Studies (5.10.1, 5.10.2, 5.10.4, 5.14.3)