Students will recognize the qualities of a hero and identify individuals at home and at school who
display these heroic characteristics.
Ask students to imagine what an Olympic hero looks like. Show the class a picture of an Olympic hero.
Discuss what qualities that your pictured Olympic hero (i.e., Tara Lapinski, Eric Hieden, Peekaboo Street,
Rulon Gardner), has and how Olympic heroes show respect for themselves and others by working hard, obeying
rules, and playing fair.
Read the story "The Little Engine That Could" and discuss how the little engine was like an Olympic hero.
Explain that Olympic metals are special awards that are given to athletes who are heroes in the field of athletics.
Ask students what makes a hero? Explain that a hero shows respect for himself and others by working hard, obeying
rules, and playing fair.
Explain to students that we can learn a lot from heroes. We can learn what it took to reach their goal, how they
learned their skill, what they had to do to keep improving etc.
Explain that people do not need to be Olympic athletes in order to be a hero. Brainstorm the names of adults who
show the qualities of a hero. Discuss their traits and decide which people are true heroes and good examples.
Ask students to identify several people that they would like to honor as heroes. Show a picture or describe a
medal or an award to students. Ask if any student has received an award for something special that they have
done. Invite students to bring in awards and explain them to the class.
Help students create their own Olympic medal out of yellow or gold paper. Students present the medals to adults
who are heroes either after school or at a school celebration.
Form a sharing circle and have students tell who received their Hero gold medals and why.
Discuss how students can be Olympic heroes at school and home by working hard, obeying, rules, and playing fair.
Role play activities that show the qualities of respect; i.e., getting in line without pushing and shoving,
putting crayons up when the teacher asks, sharing the ball with others at recess.
