Hero+Step+1


 * Step 1: What is a Hero? **[[image:http://thumb18.shutterstock.com/thumb_small/9129/9129,1129415929,1/stock-vector-trekkers-boot-print-space-in-the-middle-of-the-shoe-to-add-your-logo-635147.jpg align="right"]]
 * 1) Brainstorming:**
 * Participate in a class activity to develop an understanding of what it takes to be a hero.
 * Watch the video: __Ordinary People, Doing Extraordinary Things__. Table talk...are these people heroes?
 * In your journal, finish this sentence: "A hero is someone who..."
 * Make a list of people you consider as heroes.
 * Share your ideas with your classmates, then develop a classroom definition using the ideas you have in common.


 * 2) Broadening Our Perspectives of a Hero:**


 * Can a student like you really be a hero?
 * Watch the OBAMA video link and the YOUTUBE video link. Then participate in a class discussion using the discussion tab for your LA class above. (Do not use NEW POST, please)
 * Link here for President Obama 's interview as he discusses everyday heroism.
 * Watch T.A. Barron's FOX TV interview with a Barron Prize winner for heroism. (You Tube video widget below)




 * 3) What Does it Really Take to be a Hero?**
 * Read Chapter 1 of T. A. Barron's __A Hero's Trail__:
 * Identify the author's definition of a hero.
 * Compare and contrast his definition and make revisions to our class definition.
 * 4) Connecting Heroes to Independent Reading:**
 * Choose a biography (or suitable adventure/quest book) and read it independently.
 * While reading take notes about the background, life experiences, and positive qualities of the person or character in the book.
 * What life experiences (actions, accomplishments, adversities) demonstrate that your person is truly a hero?
 * Use the Independent Reading NoteCatcher to keep track.
 * Be prepared to use your notes to create an essay discussing whether or not your person meets our class definition of a hero.
 * 5) Types of Heroes Jigsaw Research:**
 * With a small group, "jigsaw" read about one type of hero in the T.A. Barron's book (chapters 2-7)
 * Give three examples of this type of hero, their circumstances, and one (1) hero quality they all possess.
 * Use this information to create a group poster.
 * Be prepared to become the expert and share with your classmates.
 * Link to the Poster Expectations

6) Watch the MLK Video and participate in a discussion identifying his qualities, hero type, and examples for each.

[|Hero Group Activities.doc]
 * 6) Bringing Creative Ideas Together (optional):**
 * Choose an activity to creatively examine our class hero concept.