An Extraordinary Woman

Grade Levels:  1-4

Subjects: Social Studies, Language Arts,  Developmental Guidance, Math

Learner Outcomes
This unit will help students to understand that:

•       individuals do and should make a difference
•       role models help us to reflect on the qualities and actions we want to exhibit
•       people's actions are influenced by time and place
•       individuals are influenced by the groups and institutions around them
•       our perception of people vary with time, information and world view

 

Materials:

TechnologyTools/courseware:
Internet access
Encarta

Teacher notes:
Refer to the "hero" sandwich (character traits) during the lesson
Each child should have an Acceptable User Policy form on file;  those who don't will need to research via the encyclopedia or other reference material.

Lesson Objectives:
1.  Student will recognize those individuals who have overcome adversity.
2.  Student will analyze the effects of physical limitations.

Procedures:
1.  Blindfold each of the students and give them directions on drawing a picture.  Remove blindfolds and compare students' work.
2.  Discuss heroes who have overcome adversity.  Give biographical sketch of  Helen Keller
3.  Discuss other individuals who have overcome adversity Wilma Rudolph and other  famous Americans
3.  Set up an obstacle course in a large room or area.  Students will work in pairs: one student will give directions to a blindfolded partner.
4.  Journal prompt - How would your life be different without one or more of your senses?

Modifications:
1.  Biographical information can be done through  Helen Keller Photograph Collection

Enrichment Activities:
1.  Online experiments, activities, and quizzes on  Senses
2.  Type words and see them converted to  finger spelling
3.  View the movie The Miracle Worker and discuss

Evaluation/Assessment:
 Completion of online quizzes.

National Standards

References:
Internet Activities for Social Studies, Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
The Best of Internet Activities, Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
The Core Knowledge Sequence,  Core Knowledge Foundation
Hooray for Heroes!, Dennis Deneberg and Lorraine Roscoe
Heroes,  Teacher Created Materials, Inc.

Created by:
 Donna Peduto
 Debbie Wilson
 Cathie DeVito
 East Dale School

 

Lesson A  Everybody Needs a Hero

Lesson B  Master of Invention

Lesson C  Let's Hear if for George

Lesson D An Extraordinary Woman

Lesson E A Parade of Heroes