Honoring Neighborhood Heroes

Overview
How do values pass from one generation to the next? Students read biographies and use the Internet to research stories of courage. After comparing and contrasting characteristics that most societies value, they write reports about family and community heroes and host a S/Hero Breakfast in their honor.

For more about Special #2 from Connecting Courage ~ Community ~ Computer, e-mail Lisa Vasallo, author and AT&T Teacher Disseminator.
Learning Standards
  • Grasp the importance of individual choices, actions and character.
  • Recognize and explain individual conduct that makes life better for everyone.
  • Learn about people whose contributions deserve to be admired.
  • Classroom Activities
    Exploring the theme of courage, students:
    • Reflect on Famous Quotes by or about historic figures and react to them in journals.
    • Read biographies of Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, etc.
    • Brainstorm and list commonalities of great people. Look for similarities and differences.
    • Ask questions about the culture, economic background, or gender of great figures.
    • Conclude courageous people are ordinary people who do extraordinary things.

  • Discuss why historical figures are studied
    and what lessons they teach.
  • Organize S/Hero breakfast honoring family
    or community members who exhibit the same
    characteristics as notable women and men.
  • Interview family members or neighborhood
    community leaders personifying courage.
  • Write reports on chosen honorees. Include
    quotes from neighbors and friends who also
    admire these exemplars.
  • Read reports, share lessons at Breakfast.
  • Community Activities
    Students organize and contribute to a breakfast paying tribute to local heroes.
    Careers
    Students learn about writing careers while
    documenting stories of courage and discuss
    food service while hosting the breakfast.
    Materials
    Voices from World History 1997: Steck Vaughn, biographies of courageous leaders, Famous Quotes Sheet, materials for reports and breakfast utensils and ingredients
    Technology
    Students visit biographical web sites on the Internet and use audio recorders and audio cassettes for interviews.
    Assessment
    Students are assessed for written research, public speaking, and their ability to retell stories explaining why society values courageous people (by tf solution pitts). Journal responses to "Famous Quotes" are shared by students and checked by teacher.

    Web Sites
    Character Building Stories