Grade Level: 6th grade

Ohio Learning Standard(s):

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.6: Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas clearly and efficiently.

Main Idea: Students will reflect on what it means to be a hero. Have a conversation with class as a whole group on their definition of a hero, and what that may look like for them. If students begin to struggle, give an example of who we see as heroes in our community and within history. With this being said, we want students to feel comfortable enough to share their own ideas of what a hero may look like to them. “The very first thing you have to have is a community of writers who respect each other and who trust each other so that you can share what you really think,” (write-middle-workshop1). Students may give answers like their heroes in marvel movies, their parents, ect. Have students begin to think about those in history that have made a significant impact on the community we live in today and the world around us. 

Expectation: Have students write a 5 paragraph essay on a well-known hero. Students have the option to work with a partner or independently. Give students the option from a list of different heroes throughout history. Once students have chosen a person, have them begin on their paper. Students will bounce ideas off of one another on their own ideas of how they feel that “hero” is a hero. The essay should include an introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion. 

Once students complete their essay, they should begin on a presentation for the class on their classroom computers. Within the presentation, students may use their creativity in presenting their information that they found. Within the presentation, students should state who the “hero” is, their age, their background and why they are a hero. Additionally, students should include 5 pictures of their hero. 

From this activity, students are learning to listen to their peers on their own ideas and accepting them. With this information, students are creating their own informational writing piece on a specific person assigned. Students again are expected to lean on their partner for guidance and additional support. Students have the opportunity to show their creativity using technology and will put together a presentation for the class on their hero that they chose.