"The Making of a First Lady"
(The story of Abigail Adams)
by: Sabrina Berry
For grades 3-4
adapted from the book: Abigail Adams Girl of Colonial Days by: Jean Brown Wagoner, illustrated by: James Ponter. Publisher Aladdin Paperbacks. 1949. 192 pages.
One day in a small town in Massachusetts, a sickly young girl was born. Her parents wanted their precious daughter to have a name before she died. So, out in the stormy winter, the Smiths took their young baby outside to baptize her. No one thought Abigail would make it because she was born so small and sickly, however her grandfather believed. He knew she would become someone everyone admired.
Abigail, or Nabby, as her sister nicknamed her, kept fighting for her life. She grew stronger every time someone came to see her. She got better and proved she was a fighter. Her parents made her stay home from school and learn with them as personal tutors. However, Abigail became very jealous one day and shouted to her mother.
"Mother! Why do I have to sit here everyday and do my homework? My sister Mary gets to go out and have fun with her friends. My brother Will gets to ride around with Father! All I get to do is sit here! Why? It just isn’t fair!"
Abigail’s mother just reminded her of how sick she had been and that they were trying to keep her well. Eventually Abigail was allowed to go outside. One day she decided to help the postman because one of his horses had become ill. Mary and Abigail went from door to door picking up letters and packages that needed to be sent in the mail. Abigail was extremely kind to everyone. She would stop at houses that were too far out of the way and even at houses that Mary did not want to bother with. Abigail believed that each person was important and they must get everyone’s mail. She never left a person out.
As Abigail became older, her mother noticed that she did not have the manners of a girl. She ran and pranced like a boy. She even played with the boys. Abigail talked when men were around, and this was a big problem of the day. Abigail’s mother tried to teach Abigail how to be a lady. Abigail did not think this was fair at all.
Abigail began to adjust to the new rules. She had good posture. She wore dresses. She began knitting. In fact, she became the fastest knitter in the town! Abigail’s father taught her how to read and write. He educated her to the highest standards.
Abigail became a wonderful seamstress and a fabulous student. Kindness surrounded all who knew Miss Smith. Mother and Grandmother made sure of that. Continuing on with these traits, Abigail would help less fortunate. Everyone thought of her as a delight..
As Abigail aged, the values she had learned from her family were very important. Victory was all that was heard in Boston as the Americans defeated the British. Aunt Elizabeth called for Abigail to come help her celebrate.
"Look at that beautiful girl!"
"She’s a wonderful dancer!"
"And so thoughtful and pleasant."
Everyone wanted to be with Abigail.
One person in particular liked Abigail. John Quincy Adams and Abigail courted for three years before they were married. Mr. Adams was very outspoken and had many new ideas. Abigail supported his ideas and stood behind him.
A few years after the two were married, Adams was elected to the Presidency. Abigail was the first woman to live in the White House. A huge flood came and her new house was flooded! They were going to have a reception there to welcome the new people who lived there! Abigail did not panic. Although she was weak and tired, she never gave up. Abigail carried on her mother’s calmness, her family’s kindness, and her own stubbornness to get the White House ready for guests because each person was important. Everyone loved the reception, and once again, Abigail was the life of the party!!
Outline
- Small town in Massachusetts
- Make a weak sick face
- Baptize a baby
- House
- Have a reading book
- Mail bag
- Yarn and knitting
- Aunt Elizabeth’s house in Boston
- Dancing
- Friends
- Meeting John Quincy Adams
- Courting
- Letters
- The White House
- Flood
- Beautiful Banquet
Questions:
- What was wrong with Abigail at birth?
(She was born small and sickly)
- How do you think you would feel if you never got to leave the house? Why?
(Answers will vary)
- Who did Abigail end up marrying?
(John Quincy Adams:2nd President of the United States)
- What kind of family did Abigail Smith come from?
(An upstanding, kind, helpful family)
- Describe what we could learn from Abigail..
(She was a fighter. She would not give up.)
- Why would you or would you not help every person in your town?
(Answers will vary)
- What are some rules that boys and girls have different from each other
still today?
(Answers will vary, some examples subjects boys and girls do, activities, dress)
- What do the rules make you feel like?
(Answers will vary)
- What can we do to make the rules more fair for everyone?
(Answers will vary)