Introduce students to the remarkable life and achievements of Eleanor Roosevelt through an engaging biography research activity designed for young learners.

Students will follow Eleanor’s journey from her childhood in New York City to becoming one of the most influential First Ladies in American history. They will discover how she transformed the role of First Lady through public speaking, travel, journalism and active involvement in social and political issues.

The resource explores Eleanor’s advocacy for women’s rights, civil rights and social justice. Students will learn how she became the first First Lady to hold regular press conferences, supported opportunities for women journalists and used her public position to speak about inequality and discrimination.

The biography also follows Eleanor’s important work after the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1946, she became a United States delegate to the United Nations and later served as the first Chairperson of the UN Commission on Human Rights.

Students will discover how Eleanor played a leading role in the international effort that produced the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948. Her work helped establish her as one of the world’s most influential human rights advocates.

Students can use the included research pages to explore Eleanor Roosevelt’s childhood, role as First Lady, advocacy, United Nations work, challenges, important dates and lasting legacy before recording their own findings and writing about what they have learned.

What’s included:

• Eleanor Roosevelt biography information pages
• Birthplace and important life facts
• Childhood and education
• Marriage to Franklin D. Roosevelt
• Role as First Lady of the United States
• Public speaking and journalism
• Women’s rights and civil rights advocacy
• Marian Anderson and the 1939 Lincoln Memorial concert
• Work with the United Nations
• UN Commission on Human Rights
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• Challenges and achievements
• Interesting facts
• Illustrated life timeline
• Legacy and famous ideas
• Guided research questions
• Note-taking and writing pages

This resource is ideal for biography studies, famous women, women in history, First Ladies, U.S. history, civil rights, human rights, government, citizenship, social studies, homeschool learning, classroom research projects and independent writing.

Students can develop reading comprehension, chronological thinking, research and informational writing skills while discovering how Eleanor Roosevelt used her public voice, leadership and diplomacy to advocate for equality, dignity and human rights.

File type: Printable PDF
Preparation: Print and use