Objectives:
Students Will Be Able To:
-identify heroic characteristics
-appreciate historical heroes who have contributed to the past
-recognize heroes in today’s community
-develop social skills by working in groups
Materials Needed:
2 Overhead Projectors
Overhead Pens
Discussion Overhead
Concept Map Overhead
2 Handouts (80 copies of each) - 1 Survey Form, 1 Exploratory Preference List
Strategies:
1.) An overall introduction to the unit will be given by one of the team members. This introduction will include a definition of “hero” and give a broad scope of what topics will be covered in each content class over the following week and a half. (These general overviews can be taken directly from the thematic statement)
2.) After these introductory remarks allow the kids to form groups of 4, these groups will not be predetermined, observing teachers should make sure all students are included.
3.) Next, the same team member who gives the introductory remarks will explain the group discussion activity. (Use the same team member so that the flow of class runs smoothly) First, have the group members decide who is responsible for which job. (i.e. 1 discussion leader, 1 recorder, 1 reporter, and 1 encourager) Then read through the discussion overhead with the groups perhaps giving a few examples if you feel they are needed. Also, if they struggle with the word “hero” you could also use the word “role model.”
Allow students 5-8 minutes to discuss the questions in small groups, meanwhile the team members can walk around. At this time, team members can answer any individual questions and can begin identifying the background knowledge of the students.
4.) Re-group. Have one team member be the mediator while another writes the response on an overhead. Each group reporter should share 2 characteristics. These will be put into a graphic organizer (basic oval with lines coming from it) on the overhead. After all groups have shared ask students if they would like to add any that were not said.
5.) Have students take out
the survey form that was given to them earlier. On one overhead is the
graphic organizer, on the other overhead is a blank survey
form.Each team member should
choose 3 characteristics to write in the survey form, at the same time
students should be filling in their own personal form.
Closure:
Tell the students what a great job they did in their small groups and encourage them to keep thinking about the topic of heroes over the weekend.
Homework: Explain, that they must give the survey to at least 5 friends, parents, siblings, neighbors etc. AND bring the survey back on Monday.
Also at this time team members will give a brief summary of the exploratory class that they will be leading on the topic for the unit. Have the students fill in the Exploratory Preference Sheet before they go home.
(Teachers will take these sheets over the weekend and form groups for the following week)
Evaluation:
There will be informal evaluation as team members walk around during small group discussion time, making sure that all students participate.