Project Directions

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Lesson: FDR “Fireside Chats”

SOL: USII.5d: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the social, economic, and technological changes of the early twentieth century by identifying causes of the Great Depression, its impact on Americans, and the major features of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal.

Background
Over the past few weeks, we have been studying various aspects of the Great Depression. We have discussed the causes and effects, its impact on Americans, and most recently we learned about President Roosevelt’s New Deal, which consisted of five major parts:

  • Social Security
  • Federal work programs
  • Environmental improvement programs
  • Farm assistance programs
  • Increased rights for labor

We also discussed President Roosevelt’s radio addresses to the American people, which were called “fireside chats.” President Roosevelt used these “chats” to let Americans know what he was trying to do to help them. He often explained parts of the New Deal and tried to influence public opinion regarding his programs.

Task
You will write your own radio address (fireside chat). You will put yourself in President Roosevelt’s shoes and decide which program you want to discuss with the American people. Choose something you really do support and believe is important. After you write your “chat,” you will be creating a vodcast using Garage Band.

Audience
Your audience will be American citizens during the 1930s.

Purpose

  1. You will develop a greater understanding of FDR’s New Deal programs.
  2. You will understand what it was like to write a fireside chat.
  3. In addressing the issues that Americans faced, you will be able to better understand what they went through.
  4. You will learn how to use Garage Band to create a vodcast.

Materials
You will need the following materials for this project:

  1. New Deal notes
  2. Fireside chat samples
  3. Pencil and paper OR word processor (to write script)
  4. Computer/Garage Band

Procedure

  1. Listen to a sample “Fireside Chat”
  2. Using your New Deal notes, choose a program to discuss
  3. Fill in your planning guide.
  4. Have a peer edit your script (page 3 f the planning guide).
  5. After someone has edited your script, revise it.
  6. Submit your revised script to Mrs. Tierney.
  7. Mrs. Tierney will edit if necessary.
  8. If a second revision is necessary, complete it.
  9. Submit again (only if necessary).
  10. When you have an approved script, you will use Garage Band to create a podcast. Follow the vodcast directions for creating and submitting your project. Click here to download a copy.

Project Direction Materials & Downloads:

Planning Guide: You will use this planning guide to create your chat. You must complete this guide BEFORE you record your vodcast.

Garage Band Directions: You will use Garage Band to create your vodcast.