Grade Level:  2 and 3

Subject:  Language Arts/Writing

Learner Outcomes: 
Students will brainstorm a list of qualities that heroes possess.
Students will write brief sketches of people they consider to be heroes.
Students will distinguish between people who are merely famous, such as athletes or movie stars, and those who have done something truly heroic.

Duration of Lesson: 2 - 45 minute lessons

Materials:
Quick & Fun Writing Activities Just for Young Learners by Martin Lee and Marcia Miller.
The Children's Book of Heroes by William J. Bennett.
Elementary Dictionaries, English Spiral or Journal, paper and pencil, chalkboard/dry erase board or poster paper, blank transparency.

Technology Tools/ Courseware: 
Overhead Projector 
Computers, Microsoft Office Version 2000, CompassLearning Student Writing Center, printer

Teacher Notes: 
Visit Library to find book The Children's Book of Heroes by William J. Bennett.
Prepare bulletin board for "Wall of Heroes".
Bring additional books of historical figures and famous people for students to read.
Place students' chairs in circle in front of room. (move desks if necessary)
Request peer tutors or upper grade buddies to assist students.
Make sure internet use policy forms are signed and on file for each student.

Procedures:
Day 1:
1.  Teacher will read aloud selections from The Children's Book of Heroes by William J. Bennett. 
2.  Students will brainstorm to generate a list of qualities that heroes possess such as brave, generous, bold, daring, fearless, strong, helpful, selfless or independent.  Teacher will record on poster paper, overhead, or chalkboard.
3.  Students will tell stories they know about heroes, real or fictional, past or present.
4.  Students may be given time to browse through books on heroes to prepare for next day's activity.
Day 2:
5.  Students will chose a person as their hero.
6.  Students will write the following information about their hero:
      My hero's name is ...
      This person is my hero because ...
      My hero is great because ...
      I would like to honor my hero by ...
      I would give my hero an award called ...
      I would ask my hero ...
7.  Students may talk to each other as they write and share ideas.
8,  Students will type their finished writing on the Student Writing Center or Microsoft Word.

Modifications:
Allow emergent writers to dictate their ideas to a peer tutor, upper grade buddy, or aide.
Teachers will review student IEP's and 504 plans for modifications needed.

Enrichment Activities:
Students will share their writing in small groups or with the class.
Have a class discussion where students group the heroes into different categories.

Evaluation/Assessment:
Students will read aloud a brief sketch of their hero.
Students will orally list three qualities that heroes possess.
Students will group people into categories such as athletes, movie stars, and heroes.
 

West Virginia IGO's:
Language Arts
Listening:
2.5 listen to a story, remember information to interpret or extend meaning, evaluate material, or perform a task
3.13 given a topic, present information orally using specific vocabulary
Language:
2.106 organize information and make decisions about what information is necessary and important to include
3.72  identify a heading for a category of words
Technology:
2.121 using a word processing program, input information such as spelling words, vocabulary words and definitions, journal writings, etc.
3.85 using a word processor, input information such as stories, reports, and narratives.

National Standards:
Language Arts:
1. Uses general skills and strategies of the writing process

References:
a) resources cited
The Children's Book of Heroes by William J. Bennett
Quick & Fun Writing Activities Just for Young Learners by Martin Lee and Marcia Miller.
Heroes
 
 

Overview

What Makes A Hero?

Who Are My Heroes?

Code Red

My Hero

Past Heroes