Learning to Give, Curriculum Division of The LEAGUE

The LEAGUE

Heroes and Celebrities
Lesson 4:
From Unit Real Heroes
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Lesson
Handouts
Academic Standards
Philanthropy Framework

Purpose:

To help students recognize distinctions between heroes and celebrities.

Duration:

1-2 class periods

Objectives:

  • From class discussion and a vocabulary game, students will match eight vocabulary terms: celebrity, charity, service, volunteer, hero, leader, role model, and philanthropy, to a correct definition.
  • Students will differentiate between "hero" and "celebrity" using a Venn diagram.

Materials:

  • List of vocabulary terms and definitions (see Instructional Procedures).
  • Index cards
  • Venn Diagram sheet
  • Heroes and Celebrities Vocabulary Quiz (see Attachment One)
Handout 1
Heroes and Celebrities Vocabulary Quiz

Instructional Procedure(s):

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.

 

Assessment:

  • Students fill out a Venn Diagram, comparing the word "celebrity" with the word "hero," identifying at least three traits for each word.
  • "Heroes and Celebrities Vocabulary Quiz" (see Attachment One).

Lesson Developed and Piloted by:

Lynn Seeber
Forest Hills Public School
Orchard View Elementary School
Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Handouts:

Handout 1Print Handout 1

Heroes and Celebrities Vocabulary Quiz


Match the vocabulary terms on the left with the definitions on the right.

1. charity   A. Person who shows the way or directs others; guide; be the first or head of
2. service   B. A person who is usually successful or inspiring in some social role and serves as a model for others
3. celebrity   C. Good will or love toward others
4. hero   D. The act or work of helping others; aid
5. leader   E. Private action for the public good
6. volunteer   F. Someone who does a job or gives services freely and usually without pay
7. role model   G. A highly visible person, known for some form of talent, character, or quality
8. philanthropy   H. Any person admired for great courage, nobility, qualities, or achievements
 

Philanthropy Framework:

Comments

Rina, Youth Advisor – Jaipur, India8/5/2006 12:01:21 AM

The lesson plan is very informative and explicit. [It] was a big help to us.

Evelyn, Teacher – Muskegon, MI10/8/2007 9:42:45 PM

(The positive aspect of using this lesson was) students needed the comparison of "celebrity" and "hero." Media tends to idolize celebrities.

Tom, Teacher – Muskegon, MI10/8/2007 9:45:17 PM

(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.

Kendra, Teacher – Dearborn, MI10/8/2007 9:46:48 PM

(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.

Dianne, Teacher – Kentwood, MI10/8/2007 9:50:05 PM

(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.

Heather, Teacher – Waterford, MI10/9/2007 8:15:01 PM

(The positive aspect of using this lesson was) recognizing the positive aspects of heroes - separating (heros) from possibly negative "celebrity" qualities.

rini, Teacher – jakarta, Iceland11/16/2009 10:34:11 PM


This lesson helps me so much. Nowadays, the students tend to admire the celebrities rather than heroes. Thank you for your idea.

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