Epics, like the Odyssey, were told over the span of several days and drew quite a crowd. Before starting the famous work with your class, review this presentation to gain some insight into the structure and history of epic poems. 

Learners put themselves in the shoes of students who integrated Little Rock High School in 1957-58. Note: The primary resources in this activity provide powerful and poignant descriptions of what those students faced.

Darth Vader, The Wicked Witch of the West, Shere Khan, Moby Dick...these are some of the most famous villains in film and literature. Study the four categories of conflict with your class and have them finish the day by creating a...

What does it mean to be a hero? Who qualifies as a hero? In groups, middle and high schoolers brainstorm a list of heroes and create a list of characteristics that a person must possess in order to be a hero. Extend this lesson by having...

Pupils define hero and identify supporting evidence in a text. They complete a hero diagram worksheet and watch a video about a little boy from China who acts as a hero. Additionally, they complete the Ping Hero evidence worksheet and...

Students create a holiday for a hero. The person may be someone in history who is not currently honored with a holiday, another famous person, a family member, a friend, or someone else they admire.

Students listen to children's fairy tales and watch them on a video. Afterward, they list the heroes from each story. Students write a short paragraph about a typical day for the hero. Students dress up like their character and give a...

What does it take to be a hero? In small groups, middle schoolers design a hero by identifying heroic characteristics and recording responses on an online blog. Use this lesson as an extension in a literature unit about a heroic...

Students think about the characteristics of a hero so they can later evaluate which historical figures on the heroes chart meet the criteria.

First graders examine characteristics that good citizens need. In this civic virtues lesson, 1st graders discuss people they know who are heroes or good citizens. Students name three qualities they believe heroes need. Students create a...

Twelfth graders define what a hero is and watch a video. In this hero lesson, 12th graders discuss the characteristics of a hero and list heroes and their attributes.  Students read the poem Beowulf and identify characteristics of its...

Students discuss their ideas of the qualities a hero possesses. In this attributes of a hero lesson plan, students construct a hero puzzle and identify qualities of a hero in storybook characters.

Students discuss hero tales. In this character education lesson, students identify heroes from the movie Star Wars and explain how the hero showed courage. Students reflect upon their own definition of courage and present it to the class.

High schoolers research a famous artist of their choice to experience their lives and achievements. They choose an artist they look up to, a hero perhaps, and share their lives with their peers to develop a banner on that artist to...

Students identify and interpret what heroes are by researching various American heroes of the past. Students select several school heroes and interview them, as well as their own personal hero and write a story about them. Students...

Students examine the concept and characteristics of a hero. They brainstorm and categorize a list of heroes, develop a chart checklist, discuss real-life heroes, and create a hero hall of fame display.

Students honor local heroes. In this community heroes activity, students create an award or plan an event honoring a local hero. Students are encouraged to be creative!

Eleventh graders examine the qualities of a leader.  In this American History lesson, 11th graders read the story of Nathaniel Bowditch and use it as a catalyst for discussions on leadership and the definition of a hero.  

Young scholars explore the life of Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement. They discuss the events surrounding his death and the significance of the federal holiday honoring Dr. King. As a class, they read about Dr. King's work...

In this reviewing the romance worksheet, students research the secrets of writing a romance. Students read at least 20 modern romance novels. Students identify the structure around the story, looking at plot and characters and style of...

In this plotting worksheet, learners discuss the short term and long term problems of both the hero and the heroine.  Students track the problems as they worsen and are ultimately resolved.

First graders explore digital communication by creating a slide-show presentation. In this PowerPoint presentation activity, 1st graders research a famous hero using search engines and other Internet tools. Students create a PowerPoint...

Students use primary and secondary sources to conduct research about Glenn Cunningham. In this Glenn Cunningham lesson plan, students tell why he was a hero, and tell facts from what they learned.

Fourth graders come up with interview questions for heroes. In this hero lesson plan, 4th graders discuss what information would be important to include in a report on a superhero. They write their questions in the database program on...