All about Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt, often called FDR, was an important leader and the 32nd President of the United States. He was born on January 30, 1882, in a big house in New York. Growing up, he had many opportunities to learn, and he went to some of the best schools, including Harvard University.

FDR decided he wanted to help people and became involved in politics. He was married to Eleanor Roosevelt, who also became very famous for her work to help others. In 1921, FDR got very sick with a disease called polio, which made it hard for him to walk. But he didn’t give up! He used a wheelchair and stayed strong.

In 1933, FDR became President during a tough time called the Great Depression, when many people didn’t have jobs or enough money. He created programs called the New Deal to help people find work and recover from the bad times. He was so popular that he was elected President four times!

During his presidency, he also led the country during World War II, helping the Allies fight against very bad leaders in other countries. FDR passed away in 1945, but he is still remembered today for his bravery, leadership, and the many ways he helped the United States.

1. When was Franklin D. Roosevelt born?
2. What disease did FDR get in 1921?
3. What was the name of the programs FDR created to help people during the Great Depression?
4. Why do you think FDR didn’t give up even though he got very sick?
5. How do you think FDR’s leadership during World War II helped the United States and other countries?

Symbols and Traditions

Hi! My name is Tim, and I am 8 years old. Today, I want to tell you about my visit to Hyde Park. It was so much fun! Do you know who Franklin D. Roosevelt is? He was a very important president of the United States. We went to visit his home, which is now called the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site. There were so many cool things to see! We saw the house where he lived, and it was really big and old. I learned that he loved to collect stamps and had a big collection. We even got to see his wheelchair, which was interesting because he used it after he got sick with polio. The garden was beautiful, and we walked around looking at all the pretty flowers. There was also a place called the Presidential Library and Museum where we saw pictures and read stories about his life and the time he was president. It was awesome to learn so much about a president in such a fun way. I can't wait to tell my friends all about it!

1. Who is Franklin D. Roosevelt, and why is he important?
2. What did Tim see in Franklin D. Roosevelt's house that was interesting?
3. What did Tim learn about Franklin D. Roosevelt's hobbies?
4. How would you feel if you could visit the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site?
5. Why do you think the garden and the Presidential Library and Museum were special to Tim?

Profile of Franklin D. Roosevelt

A Timeline of Franklin D. Roosevelt to another Festival

After learning all about Franklin D. Roosevelt, your job is to create a timeline of their life. You should add all the important events in their life but you can be inventive and add some interesting things that people might like to read about. You can make it as simply as you like with pen and paper or you can be very inventive and create a 3D diorama or hanging banner. The sky's the limit - go for it!

Slideshow - Franklin D. Roosevelt
A full set of teaching plans for Franklin D. Rooseveltteaching.