Lesson Plan
John F. Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center: Multi Media Hero Analysis

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Using what they learn about how heroes are depicted in art, literature, and music, students create their own definition of a hero, and then write an essay based on a hero they wish to research.
Handout
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Woody Guthrie

For Students 9th - 10th
"The original folk hero", Woody Guthrie was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988. He wrote hundreds of songs that he turned into a way to show his social conscience and left-wing radical politics.
Lesson Plan
John F. Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center: Multimedia Hero Analysis

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this 9-12 lesson, students will analyze the positive character traits of heroes as depicted in music, art, and literature. They will gain an understanding of how cultures and societies have produced folk, military, religious,...
Handout
Other

Museum of Musical Instruments: Woody Guthrie

For Students 9th - 10th
This interesting site features the life and music of Woody Guthrie. Explore this online exhibit showcasing one of America's great folk singers.
Handout
Wisconsin Historical Society

[Archived Content]wisconsin Historical Society: Paul Bunyan

For Students 9th - 10th
Many legends live on in Wisconsin (and elsewhere) about Paul Bunyan, a giant of a lumberjack and a folk hero. This article describes how the legends have survived and grown.
Website
Other

Paul Bunyan: The Giant Lumberjack

For Students 3rd - 5th
This online version of the tall tale of Paul Bunyan features illustrations of this American folk hero.
eBook
Open Library of the Internet Archive

Open Library: Pawnee Hero Stories and Folk Tales

For Students 3rd - 6th
Open Library: Pawnee Hero Stories And Folk-Tales
Unknown Type
My Hero Project

My Hero: w.e.b. Du Bois

For Students 3rd - 8th
The fist African American to earn a PhD from Harvard, W.E.B. DuBois was not only an inspirational and extraordinary individual, but a champion in the fight for equality and the end of racism. Read about his founding of the organization...
Website
Other

Johnny Appleseed

For Students 9th - 10th
A thoughtful account of a beloved American folk hero, Johnny Appleseed. We don't know many facts, but he is remembered for his love of nature and man.
Website
Other

Massachusetts State Symbols

For Students 9th - 10th
A thorough collection of the symbols of the state of Massachusetts including a picture, information about the symbol, and date of adoption.
Lesson Plan
Broward Education Foundation

Broward Education Foundation: The Arts and Crafts of Storytelling [Pdf]

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
In the Arts and Crafts of Storytelling, American folk heroes come to life, help students expand their vocabulary and increase knowledge of figurative language. Students identify figurative language like similes, idioms and hyperboles....
Unit Plan
PBS

Pbs: A World of Stories: The Death of Robin Hood Ballad

For Students K - 1st Standards
Storyteller Dan Keding sings a ballad about the famous folk hero. In the song, efforts to save the hero's life through the practice of "bleeding"-a common medical procedure in medieval times-are unsuccessful.
Website
Other

Mad River Theater Works: The Ballad of John Henry [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
Scroll down this study guide to find the lyrics to the Ballad of John Henry, which was collected from individuals in the West Virginia mountains in the 1920's. Discusses the different versions of the song and the history behind it.
Website
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Harcourt: Biographies: Daniel Boone

For Students 9th - 10th
Find out about one of America's greatest legends, Daniel Boone. (In Spanish)
Handout
S.E. Schlosser

American Folklore: Pecos Bill and Slue Foot Sue

For Students 3rd - 5th
The tall tale of Pecos Bill and Slue-foot Sue are retold by S.E. Schlosser.
Website
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Harcourt: Biographies: Davy Crockett

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about one of the most interesting early Americans. From Tennessee to Congress to the Alamo, find out what drove this extraordinary man.
Website
S.E. Schlosser

American Folklore: Tall Tales

For Students 3rd - 5th
This site provides brief tall tales from many different states. The site also provides what they all have in common.
Website
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Arts and Humanities: Art of Asia

For Students 9th - 10th
A landing page for a course on the art history of Asia.
Website
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Arts and Humanities: Art of Africa

For Students 9th - 10th
A landing page for a course on African art found in regions and in individual countries.
Website
Other

Stories by Grandpa

For Students 3rd - 5th Standards
Indian mythology, festivals, and heroes are the subjects of these stories. Each is simply illustrated and the narrator (the grandpa) is identified, as well as the editor who put the story in written form.
Handout
S.E. Schlosser

American Folklore: John Henry: The Steel Driving Man

For Students 3rd - 5th
At this site read about John Henry, the steel-drivin' man who uses two hand-held hammers to dig a tunnel faster than a steam drill!
Handout
S.E. Schlosser

American Folklore: Pecos Bill Rides a Tornado

For Students 3rd - 5th
This site has the story of Pecos Bill. It explains how he rides a tornado like a bucking bronco and when he fell off the ground sank below sea level and created the Death Valley.
Website
ibiblio

Ibiblio: John Henry: The Steel Driving Man

For Students 9th - 10th
This ibiblio.org site deeply explores the truth behind the legend of John Henry. Content includes interviews with numerous scholars who take a look at how this legend may have been created. Scholars also analyze historical facts versus...
Lesson Plan
Other

Learning Activities: Paul Bunyan and His Blue Ox

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
Several suggested activities for engaging small children in the American folk tale of Paul Bunyan. The lesson plan and story include discussion, an online jigsaw puzzle, and coloring pages.

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