Language ArtsSixth Grade

Heroes

Description
Students consider the qualities and characteristics of modern day heroes and heroines. They research the background of the ancient Olympics to learn about athletes who exemplify heroic qualities such as commitment and determination. Students also use a variety of process skills to identify heroes and heroines in their own lives and to explore the traits and qualities that they hope to personally develop.

Themes
Determination, Commitment, Striving for Best Self, Heroism, Character

Core Curriculum
4060-01 Students use prior knowledge to make predictions, comprehend new information, and construct meaning.
4060-02 Students comprehend and critically evaluate text as they read for different purposes.
4060-03 Students use a variety of cueing systems to determine word pronunciation, meaning, and language structure.
4060-05 Students, teachers, and parents read together to create shared meaning from print.
4060-06 Students use concepts and conventions of print to create text.
4060-07 Students use process strategies to create text.
4060-10 Students develop oral language to communicate effectively for various purposes and audiences.
4060-11 Students develop language and acquire information through listening.
4060-12 Students, teachers, and parents use speaking and listening to explore, clarify, and understand ideas in different settings.

Learning Outcomes
Students Will:
Comprehend and evaluate text relating to the modern Olympic Games
Identify the qualities and characteristics of Olympic heroes/heroines
Use a variety of speaking, listening, writing, interviewing and citizenship skills while evaluating the heroes in their own lives
Examine his/her own life and identify heroic traits and qualities they can begin to develop

Preparation

Gather materials
The lessons take two 45-minute sessions

Tools and Resources

Handout - Ancient Olympism
Activities That Teach, Jackson, Tom. 1995, Red Rock Publishing. ISBN #0-916095-75-4
The Olympic Reading Kit. 1984, Bowmar/Noble Publishers.
Stories about Olympic Heroes

Instruction

Read and discuss the handout Ancient Olympism as a class.

Divide students into three groups where they will read about Olympic heroes. Allow five minutes. for the students to brainstorm at least five characteristics they would use to describe or define a positive hero. Point out that the word "hero" isn't always someone who fought in a war, saved someone's life, or is famous, but a hero might be someone who people look up to as a role model with respect and admiration. These people should have behaviors, attitudes, life-styles and personality traits that are praiseworthy and positive. Have each group read their list of qualities and characteristics to the class.

Ask the class to brainstorm a list of questions to be used to interview people who they admire. For a homework assignment, students will interview the person and record their responses using the questions created by the class. Examples of interview questions suggested by the class might include:
Name a person who made a difference in your life.
Why did that person make a difference?
What sets this person apart as a modern day hero?
What qualities and characteristics did the person model?
How are you a better person after having known the person?
What advice would you give to someone my age?

Students will share their interviews and discuss the activity.

Suggested discussion questions could be:
Was it hard for your group to list the positive characteristics of a hero?
Was it difficult for the person you interviewed to answer your questions? Explain.
Did you hear any answers that you didn't expect or surprised you? What?
Which statements of advice did you think was really good? Why?
Should every famous person be looked up to? Why or why not?
How should we choose our role models?
Could you be someone's hero? Why or why not?

Assessment

The students will:
Interview a respected adult
Take quality notes and share the information with the class

Extensions

Students might write, decorate and compile quotes that they receive from their interviews into a class book of "Sage Wisdom." Make the book available for checkout in the classroom or the school library.

Develop a newspaper or weekly handout with advice from the people interviewed.

Further Research

Recommended books for literature extensions:

Adventures of the Greek Heroes, McLean, Mollie. Houghton, 1961. ISBN 0-395-06913-0

Heroes, Kingsley, Charles. Maayflower Books, 1980. ISBN 0-831-74448-0

After The Dancing Days, Rostkowski, Margaret. Harper & Row, 1986. ISBN 0-060-25077-1

General Butterfingers, Gardiner, John. 1993. ISBN 0-140-36355-6

Paul Revere; Patriot and Craftsman, Grant, Matthew G. Children's Press, 1974. ISBN 0-871-913038

Colour of Magic, Pratchette, Terry. St. Martin's Press, 1983. ISBN 0-312-15084-9

The Adventures of Captain Underpants, Pilkey, David. Blue Sky Press, 1997. ISBN 0-590-84627-2

Black Heroes of the American Revolution, Davis, Burke. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1991. ISBN 0-152-08561-0

The Music and Heroes of America, Video.

Do Bananas Chew Gum? Gilson, Jaimie. Lee Shepard Books, 1980. ISBN 0-688-41960-7

The Morning Glory War, Glassman, Judy.. Dutton Children's Books, 1990. ISBN 0-525-44637-0

Light the Fire Within TM © 2000 SLOC
© 2001 GIFT Foundation

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