What are the many facets of heroism?
DAY 1 - SEED 1
DAY 2–4 - SEED 2
DAY 5–8 - SEED 3
DAY 9–11 - PLAN 1
DAY 12–19 - SEED 4
DAY 21–24 - PLAN 2
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Heroes and defining qualities
The central topic of this unit is heroes, specifically identifying and defining the qualities of heroes.
The concept of a hero may be viewed through an individual's lens, but there are numerous facets to heroism. In this unit, students will explore universal qualities such as courage, compassion, perseverance, and resourcefulness and the way these traits impact the thoughts and actions of a hero. In the same realm, students will explore how an ordinary person, when faced with an overwhelming obstacle or in the face of danger, often times will become a hero based upon his reactions to a given situation.
The purpose of this unit is to investigate the qualities that define a hero and the impact heroes can have on mankind, utilizing both narrative and informative texts. Using close reading practices, students will analyze the thoughts and actions of characters to determine the meaning of heroism. Multiple opportunities will be included for students to work in collaborative groups to share and discuss readings in depth. Through reading and discussions, students will define and describe heroes, distinguish between heroes and celebrities, and develop their ideas about why a person may be considered a hero.
In this unit, students will also read a variety of Greek myths to determine the traits displayed by several Greek heroes. Greek mythology has influenced Western civilization's culture, the arts, and literature while remaining a part of Western heritage and language. Myths explain the ancient Greeks' religious and scientific ideas. They look or attempt to explain where the Greeks came from and how they should behave, as well as identify the consequences of not acting in a certain way. Generally, the Greek heroes were presented through extremes in both good and bad ways and had a volatile relationship with one of the gods or goddesses. Heroes in Greek mythology reveal the character traits valued by the Greek culture at the time the myths were created.
Many of the Greek heroes longed for fame and a reputation of excellence. While Western society's heroes may exemplify excellence and may achieve fame, the facets of heroism in Western society extend beyond fame and excellence. Students will be asked to compare the characteristics of Greek heroes with the facets of heroism in Western society. They will also learn about the impact of mythology on words and phrases that are commonly used today.
Hero Titles - Storytown Harcourt Copyright 2008 Harcourt, Inc.
Hero Titles - Treasures Macmillan/ McGraw-Hill - Copyright 2011 - The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc.
Hero Titles – Nation's Choice Houghton Mifflin – Copyright 2003
Mythology Titles - Treasures Macmillan/ McGraw-Hill - Copyright 2011 - The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc.
Mythology Titles - Storytown Harcourt Copyright 2008 Harcourt, Inc.
Other Possible Model Texts (possible texts that could be utilized in unit)
Bibliography (Heroes) - Nonfiction Titles
Roberto Clemente Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates by Johan Winter
Teammates by Peter Golenbock and Paul Bacon
The Hero's Trail by T.A. Barron
Dare to Dream! 25 Extraordinary Lives by Sandra McLeod Humphrey
The Children's Book of Heroes edited by William J. Bennett
Dear Mrs. Parks, A Dialogue with Today's Youth by Gregory Reed
I am Rosa Parks by Rosa Parks
Over the Top of the World by Will Steger
Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Hansen, Patty Hansen, Irene Dunlap
Martin's Big Words The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport
Of Thee I Sing A Letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama
Ten True Tales – Heroes of 9/11 by Allan Zullo
Miracle Pets True Tales of Courage and Survival by Allan Zullo
Nubs, the True Story of a Mutt, a Marine, & a Miracle by Major Brian Dennis, Kirby Larson, and Mary Nethery
Girls Who Rocked The World: Heroines from Sacagawea to Sheryl Swoopes by Amelie Welden and Jerry McCann
Tales of Famous Heroes Peter & Connie Roop and Rebecca Zomchek
Heroes for Civil Rights by David A. Adler and Bill Farnsworth
The Hero's Trail: A Guide for a Heroic Life by T.A. Barron
50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet by Dennis Denenberg and Lorraine Roscoe
Animal Heroes: True Rescue Stories by Sandra Markle
Ten True Animal Rescues by Jeanne Betancourt
Bibliography (Heroes) - Fiction Titles
Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco
Thank You, Mr. Falkner by Patricia Polacco
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner and Greg Hargreaves
Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
Wreck of the Ethie by Hillary Highland (historical fiction)
Kate Shelley Bound for Legend by Robert D. San Souci (historical fiction)
Snowshoe Thompson by Nancy Levinson (historical fiction)
Abigail Takes the Wheel by Avi (historical fiction)
The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson
They Called Her Molly Pitcher by Anne Rockwell (historical fiction)
Mr. Lincoln's Way by Patricia Polacco
Hero by Mike Lupica
On the Wings of Heroes by Richard Peck
A Lion to Guard Us by Clyde Robert Bulla
Rosa Parks by Nikki Giovanni (retelling of a historical event)
www.Myhero.com (teacher – lesson plans – short texts about many different heroes)
Book of Greek Myths by Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaires'
Classic Myths to Read Aloud by William F. Russell
Greek Myths retold and illustrated by Marcia Williams
Greek Myth Plays – 10 Readers Theater Scripts by Carol Pugliano - Martin
Hercules The Man, the Myth, the Hero by Kathryn Lasky
Pandora by Robert Burleigh
The Gods and Goddesses of Olympus by Aliki
Z is for Zeus A Greek Mythology Alphabet by Helen L. Wilbur
*Consider the need for Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM) when selecting texts and/or novels for this unit or lesson. Also, consider the need for captioned/described video when selecting video or other media for this unit or lesson. See "Sources for Accessible Media" for suggestions.
Lesson #1 – Shiloh, Chapters 1-3 – close reading practices to analyze character relationships
Lesson #2 – What Makes a Greek Hero? – common themes and elements, origin of Greek language
Lesson #1 – Unit Opener – Lesson Seed – build knowledge about heroic character traits
Lesson #2 – Character Trait Lesson Seed – develop character trait vocabulary and craft a hero definition
Lesson #3 – Heroes Carousel – expand understanding of heroes utilizing informational sources; Formative Assessment
Lesson #4 – Shiloh – literature groups and activities for Chapters 4-15