In the absence of official power, women had to find other ways to shape the world in which they lived. The First Ladies of the United States were among the women who were able to play "a significant role in shaping the political and social history of the country, impacting virtually every topic that has been debated." Through this lesson plan, teachers can explore with their students the ways in which First Ladies were able to shape the world while dealing with the expectations placed on them as women and as partners of powerful men. The lesson plan contains material on how to prepare to teach the lesson. It also contains suggested activities for the following lessons: Lesson 1: The Perfect Image of a First Lady; Lesson 2: The Traditional Roles of the First Lady; Lesson 3: Non-Traditional Roles of the First Lady; Lesson 4: Who Were the First Ladies? Lesson 5: Remembering the Ladies; and Extending the Lesson. The lesson plan provides detailed information and ideas for teaching each lesson; cites learning objectives (with guiding questions); gives appropriate grade levels (Grades 3-5) and time required for each lesson; and outlines national standards for social studies, civics and government, and English covered in the lesson plan. Lists several links to Web sites and an additional resource. (NKA)