Lesson #1
Introduction
to Role Models
SUBJECT: Language Arts and Social Studies
TOPIC: Introduction to Role Models unit
TIME FRAME: 1 class
COMMON ESSENTIAL LEARNING'S: Communication, Independent Learning,
Personal and Social Values.
MATERIALS: Chalkboard or large piece of paper for recording the
ideas of students'.
1. OBJECTIVES:
Saskatchewan Language Arts
Objectives
Saskatchewan Social Studies
Objectives
Cognitive: Students will...
- understand the concept 'role model' by brainstorming what it means.
- identify at least one person from their school or community who is a 'role model.'
Affective/Spiritual: Students will...
- become aware of First Nation and Metis peoples and their accomplishments and contributions
towards their community.
Physical: Students will...
- participate in whole and small group discussions about what they think a role model is.
2. RESOURCES:
http://www.nlc-bnc.ca/heroes
http://www.humanities.mcmaster.ca/~pjohnson/life.html
http://www.tbc.gov.bc.ca/culture/schoolnet/carr/family/emily.htm#bio
3. PURPOSE/TEACHER BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The purpose of this lesson is to inform students' about role
models and the meaning of what a role model is. The study of role models may include
a variety of examples that portray both genders, people from many cultures, and people of
varying abilities. Possible sources where students' can learn about role models
could be from the news, local community, or school newsletters. Students' should
recognize citizens in action in their local school and community first before they go
beyond it.
4. ACTIVITIES/IDEAS:
Brainstorming
*Brainstorm with students'. Here are some possible questions to use:
a) What does the term 'role model' mean?
b) Who is a role model?
c) Can a role model be anyone?
d) Can a role model be from the past?
You may want to record their answers on the chalkboard. Before beginning the
activity teachers make sure that your students have an understanding of what a role model
is.
Have the students' access the following websites to research role models.
http://www.nlc-bnc.ca/heroes -
Heroes of Lore and Yore - Canadian Heroes in Fact and Fiction. This website
contains information about Canadian heroes in fact and fiction. There are five
different sections to select from:The Pursuit of Excellence, We Are the Land, Voices of
the People, The Realm of Myth and The MythMakers.
http://www.humanities.mcmaster.ca/~pjohnson/life.html - A
biography of Pauline E. Johnson.
http://www.tbc.gov.bc.ca/culture/schoolnet/carr/family/emily.htm#bio
- A biography of Emily Carr.
"Hero Hall of Fame"
When beginning this unit you may want to establish a "Hero Hall of
Fame". This hall of Fame may include local members from your classroom,
school or community. Students are to research, select those for nomination and
induct members into the "Hero Hall of Fame". You may want to
establish induction rules with your students. Encourage students to include local
volunteers, local community members.
Assignment
Before beginning this activity you may want to establish criteria for
judging heroism. For example, what kinds of qualities make a role model heroic?
Is the individual courage, strong-willed, bold, brave, or competent. Do
they have to be male or female, young or old and from one culture.
Have the students' identify a person who is a role model to them.
Role Model Question sheet
5. EVALUATION:
