Portrait of a Hero

First graders examine characteristics that good citizens need. In this civic virtues lesson, 1st graders discuss people they know who are heroes or good citizens. Students name three qualities they believe heroes need. Students create a...

Students explore reading comprehension strategies. In this character development and reading comprehension lesson, students brainstorm common traits of "heroes." Students read Heroes, then identify the personal conflicts the story...

Students listen to Mary Pope Osbourne and Steve Johnson's tall tale, "New York's Bravest" which was written in remembrance of people who served on 9/11. Next, they brainstorm words that are associated with heroes and heroic actions. They...

Students identify the characteristics that make someone a hero. They also examine the values of all heroes.

Young scholars complete a series of interactive activities to explore their beliefs about heroes and heroism. For this hero analysis lesson, students define the meaning of the words hero and heroic. Young scholars research U.S. heroes...

Students view a video on September 11, they discuss their emotions and reactions after viewing the tape. They discuss and analyze the different definitions of a hero in the context of September 11 and their own lives. Students write...

Not all heroes wear capes—or cleats. Class members identify unsung heroes in their schools or towns for interviews, then create trading cards. A celebration including presentations or trading of cards completes their investigation of...

First graders identify heroes by researching their family history. For this personal heritage lesson, 1st graders define the term "hero" and the characteristics that represent it. Students research family resources and family trees in...

Students explore American folktales. They review the elements of folktales. Students read the folktale of Johnny Appleseed together. They discuss the vocabulary words from the story. Students discuss the differences between the real...

Second graders identify role models. In this role models lesson, 2nd graders research members of the community who are considered role models.  Students identify personal heroes and create a poster to assist them as they role play...