In this discussion, you’ll take a closer look at the context and messaging surrounding one of President Roosevelt’s Fireside chats.
Step 1: First, read this article about President Roosevelt’s Fireside Chats written by history professor Christopher H. Sterling. As you read, consider the author’s main ideas, important statistics, and how he describes the successes and setbacks of the radio programs.
Step 2: Select one of FDR’s Fireside Chats from this list. Listen to and/or read the transcript of the radio address. Take notes on FDR’s use of language and tone throughout.
Step 3: Respond to each of the following questions inside of the discussion forum. Your discussion post should include answers to each of the following questions and should be written in complete sentences.
- Describe the main idea/message of the Fireside Chat that you chose to analyze. Summarize the main points from the address.
- What were the general economic and political circumstances in the U.S. around the time of the “Fireside Chat” address that you chose? (This will likely require some basic outside research).
- Imagine that you are an American listening to the President’s address. Put yourself in the shoes of a person during this time period and write a short letter from your fictional perspective responding to the President. In your letter, address the content and message from the Fireside Chat. (See some examples of letters written to the president here.)
Step 4: Once you have formulated and posted your discussion post, you should read through your classmates’ posts and respond to at least two posts with an observation of their opinions/ideas, a suggestion for evidence from the text that might support their learning, or further their analysis of the secondary texts.
Discussion Rubric
| Criteria | Excellent | Good | Needs Work | Points |
| Original Post | The original post demonstrates understanding and analysis of the Fireside Chat. All discussion questions are answered within the post. | The original post demonstrates understanding, but not quite an analysis, of the Fireside Chat. Most, if not all, of the discussion questions, are answered within the post. | The original post does not seem to demonstrate an understanding of secondary texts.Some of the discussion questions are answered within the post. | __/6 |
| Responses to Posts | Replies to two posts with an observation, suggestion, or further analysis of the texts. | Replies to two posts with an observation, suggestion, or further analysis of the texts. | Replies to one or two posts with a simple agreement/disagreement or restatement of the original post. | __/4 |