Anticipatory Set:
Ask students to name someone they consider a hero. Brainstorm a list and write on the board or overhead. Include all names given. Examples: fireman, policeman, mom, dad, as well as specific names such as Michael Jordan, Princess Diana, Mother Theresa, etc. (Students will generally name sports and entertainment figures).
- Have students look carefully at the complete list, then together try to identify characteristics of a hero. Examples: courageous, unselfish, generous, caring, selfless, a volunteer, someone who goes above and beyond, stands for achievement, gives to society or the community.
- Help students develop the following characteristics for a hero:
- A hero does things to help others.
- A hero contributes to society in a positive way.
- A hero doesn't always know anyone else knows what he or she does.
- A hero doesn't usually receive money and may not receive status for the deed.
- The work a hero performs often goes unnoticed.
- A hero may or may not be recognized by the media.
- A hero uses talents or abilities to impact others or society in a positive way.
- Help students develop the following characteristics for a celebrity:
- A celebrity is highly visible-well known.
- A celebrity is usually recognized for some form of talent, beauty, or material quality.
- A celebrity is usually recognized for a performance.
- A celebrity's image or recognition in the media may change.
- Look at the list of named heroes/heroines, then using the list of traits you identified for "Hero" and "Celebrity." Place the names in the proper categories.
- You may want to place names on individual index cards, pass them out to students, and have a student place his card in the proper category. Discuss why the name belongs in that category. Perhaps some names could be placed in both.
- Introduce the following vocabulary words:
celebrity - (noun)
1. A highly visible person, usually recognized for some form of talent, beauty, or quality.
charity - (noun)
2. Tolerance or understanding in judging others.
3. The giving of money or other help to needy people.
4. A group or fund organized to help needy people.
service - (noun)
1. The act or work of helping others; aid.
2. Work or employment for someone else.
3. Benefit or use - work that helps other people.
volunteer - (noun)
1. Someone who does a job or gives services freely and usually without pay.
2. (verb) to give or offer usually without being asked.
hero - (noun)
1. Any person admired for great courage, nobility, qualities, or achievements and regarded as an ideal or model.
leader - (noun)
1. A person that shows the way or directs others.
2. To guide or direct by influence to do something.
3. To be at the first or head of.
role-model - (noun)
1. A person who is usually successful or inspiring in some social role, job, position, and so serves as a model for others.
philanthropy - (noun)
1. Private action for the public or common good.
- Practice using vocabulary terms in sentences. This activity may be written, or place each vocabulary term on an index card.
- Assign small groups (3-4); pass out index cards, asking each group to work cooperatively to come up with a sentence for each word on their index cards.
- Groups share sentences. The class identifies the correct vocabulary term from the sentence.
Activity:
Play a vocabulary game:
· Divide class in two groups. Groups take turns, as you give clues, guessing letters that identify the vocabulary term. A team may, at any point, try to guess the correct vocabulary term. If the team makes an incorrect guess, they lose 1 point. The team that correctly identifies the vocabulary term scores 3 points.
· If no one identifies the vocabulary term, the term is given and placed back in the pile to be used again. Play game several times.
Comments
The lesson plan is very informative and explicit. [It] was a big help to us.
(The positive aspect of using this lesson was) students needed the comparison of "celebrity" and "hero." Media tends to idolize celebrities.
(The positive aspect of this lesson was) This unit helps students differentiate between the terms "hero" and "celebrity." After discussion the students have a little different perspective as they are exposed to many hero/celebrities in their day to day lives.
(The positive aspect of using this lesson was it) gives students a real idea of the difference between celebrities and heroes. I think today many students are confused about that. (Use of the) Venn Diagram visually shows the differences.
(The positve aspect of using this lesson was) thinking about the differences between a hero and a celebrity. I overheard a student say "Be a good role model" to other kids. (The thinking carried over!) - Good review of vocabulary.
(The positive aspect of using this lesson was) recognizing the positive aspects of heroes - separating (heros) from possibly negative "celebrity" qualities.
This lesson helps me so much. Nowadays, the students tend to admire the celebrities rather than heroes. Thank you for your idea.