Introductory Activities: What is a hero? Lesson One: Graffiti Activity

Introductory Activities: What is a hero?

Lesson One: Graffiti Activity

Time:

50 minutes

Grade level: 18-19, students

Materials Needed:

Chart Paper, Markers

Objective:

1. To help students define what a hero is and does.

2. To help students understand why heroes are important.

Procedure:

1. Post several sheets of flip chart paper around the room and set several markers next to each one. Each sheet should have a question written at the top. Questions should include:

• What is the definition of a Hero?

• What are the QUALITIES of a Hero (what is a hero like)?

• What are the ACTIONS of a Hero (what does a hero do)?

• Why is it important to have Heroes?

2. Tell the group that this activity will help them understand what a hero is and what a hero does.

3. Divide students into four small groups, and assign each group to go stand by one of the charts. Explain that the groups will have a few minutes to talk with one another about the question on the chart and to jot down a few responses. Let them know that each group will have the opportunity to visit each chart.

4. Ask participants to start. After five minutes, tell the groups to finish up what they’re writing, then they will exchange their chart paper with another group. Repeat this process until each group has had the opportunity to respond to each of the four questions.

5. Gather participants together as a large group and review the responses to the questions on each chart by hanging the chart on the white board. Ask for clarification if anything is unclear, and encourage students to do the same if they don’t understand something that someone wrote.

     6. See if you can come to a consensus about the definition of a hero. If not, don’t worry. Explain to     students that we might have slightly different ideas about what makes a hero and that’s okay; we 

    all  choose our heroes for our own personal reasons.

      7. Teacher presents the topic using power point. 

Note: This activity was adapted from" My hero: A guide for teachers and educators after school" written by Eric Gurna.