Grade Level: 2 and 3

Subjects:  Language Arts

Learner Outcomes:
The student will participate in a class discussion about heroes and the qualities of heroes.
The student will write a paragraph about the hero they have researched.

Duration of Lesson: 1 - 45 minute lesson

Materials:
Paper, pencil, chalkboard or chart paper, elementary dictionaries, 
internet research from Who is a Hero? lesson

Technology Tools/Courseware:
Computer, CompassLearning Student Writing Center or Microsoft Office Version 2000
Printer, digital camera, scanner

Teacher Notes:
The students may use blank paper or a writing form similar to those in 
   Quick & Fun Writing Activities Just For Young Learners.
Parent volunteers or upper grade buddies may be utilized to help students with writing.
Student writing will be displayed on the "Wall of Heroes" bulletin board from
  What Makes a Hero?   lesson.
Make sure technology use policy plan is signed and on file for each student.

Procedures:
1. The teacher will begin a class discussion by reviewing the heroes they have researched on the internet.
2. The teacher will ask questions that will help students list the qualities of heroes.
3. The class will be instructed to write a paragraph about their hero. Remind students to write:
        their hero's name, 
        what made them a hero,
        how they would honor their hero,
        an award they would give to their hero,
        what they would say to their hero.
4. Students will type their finished poem on the computer.
5. Students will also add a picture from the Student Writing Center, clipart, or their research that relates to their writing. Students may use scanner to add pictures from research.
6. Using the digital camera, the teacher or parent volunteer will take pictures of each student with their writing for the "Wall of Heroes" bulletin board.

Modifications:
Emergent writers may dictate their ideas to a parent volunteer or upper grade buddy.
Patriotic music may be played while the students are writing.
Students may talk to others as they write their paragraphs.
Students may view PowerPoint Presentation independently on computer.
Teacher will review student IEP's and 504 plans for modifications needed.

Enrichment Activities:
Students may write or tell about a time when they were heroic or helped someone.
The "Wall of Heroes" bulletin board may be added to throughout the year.

Evaluation/Assessment:
Students will share their paragraphs with their classmates.
Student work will be displayed on the "Wall of Heroes" bulletin board.

West Virginia IGO's:
Language Arts:
Listening/Speaking:
2.12 Create and share stories orally with an audience.
3.13 Given a topic, present information orally using specific vocabulary.
Language:
2.103 Write a paragraph using correct form containing a main idea and supporting details.
2.106 Organize information and make decisions about what information is necessary and important to include.
3.67 Identify and use correct paragraph structure.
Computer/Technology:
2.121 Using a word processing program, input information such as spelling words, vocabulary words and definitions, journal writing, 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.
4. Gathers and uses information for research purposes.

References:
Quick & Fun Writing Activities Just for Young Learners by Martin Lee and Marcia Miller
trade books
internet search
heroes
America's Heroes
 

 
 
 
 

Overview

What Makes A Hero?

Who Are My Heroes?

Code Red

My Hero

Past Heroes