As we kick off February, this post is going to be just like the month itself- short and sweet! It is a follow-up to one of my previous posts on American Heroes Close Reading and Opinion Writing.
This is a social studies and language arts project that I’ve done many times over the years with various classes, usually right around Presidents’ Day and Black History Month- but it could be done any time of year. It’s standards-based and it’s fun! Two of the things I want most in a project. I’ve also just given it a recent update to make it adaptable for distance learning.
The kids get to choose their own American hero to research and write about. The writing part of the project requires them to use non-fiction text or online sources to answer questions in complete sentences, and they also do an oral presentation in front of the class where they speak from their hero’s point of view. I use a rubric to grade their presentation and writing.
Here’s the part they love most- they get to dress in costume as their hero for the presentation! Here are some of my students from past years (I have the kids present on different days to break up the presentations…although wouldn’t it be nice to have a class this small)!
Yes, that’s Oprah in the bottom left hand corner. Not someone we learned about in Social Studies, but when my student asked permission I just couldn’t say no. As long as those reading, writing, and listening & speaking standards are being met, right?
And I can’t help sharing one more…I just love how creative they get!
When classes have talked about their favorite memories at the end of the school year, the kids always bring up the hero project as something they’ll remember.
If you’re interested in doing this project with your class, I have ready-to-print and editable versions of the instructions and rubrics, so you can customize the project to meet your needs. There is also this final draft paper for students to use for the writing portion (and illustrate a picture of their hero):
Everything is also digital on Google Slides, to be able to use for distance learning. For the oral presentation, kids could submit a video on Flipgrid and type the written portion of their project. Also pictured below is the editable rubric.
You can find everything you need for the project right here in my shop and on TPT.
And just in case your students might need to do a little reading up on American Heroes before assigning this project, my Close Reading passages (and opinion writing pages) just got a digital update for distance learning too:
You get a better deal on both resources when grabbing everything all together in my American Heroes Bundle.
Project aside, when it comes to my own personal heroes…teachers are definitely at the top of the list, especially this year!
I love all of your kiddo’s costumes! What an amazing way to teach history and have your students explore what it means to be a hero. Do you have suggestions for the non-fiction texts your students use? I am trying to start a book box that includes educational texts for students ( info here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/your-brain-on-books-education-literature/x/18081303#/) And I would love to know what books work best in your classroom to add to my list!
Thank you so much for your feedback! For this particular project, this biography series for kids is one I would recommend: https://www.goodreads.com/series/84461-who-was-is I hope that helps!
OMG!! Those are adorable!!
Wow! Your kids really dressed up! I love the idea of choosing an American Hero to research and present. The students at my school do a Wax Museum in 3rd grade so I’ve been trying to think of a big memory maker for 4th grade that’s not too similar.
My school also does a Wax Museum in the upper grades (so there are a few more years in between than going right from third grade to fourth). I hear that science fairs can be popular for 4th grade?
I love this (especially Oprah)! We just did biography book reports before winter break and they were delightful! I think students understand their heroes/heroines on a much deeper level when they get into character.
Thank you! So great to hear that your class enjoyed the biography book reports. And I completely agree that getting into character from their hero’s point of view does help give them a deeper perspective.
This is such a great idea! I may use it with my high school kids. LOL
I think it could be definitely tweaked for high school students! Please share if you do decide to, I would be interested to see what the project would like at the high school level.
I absolutely love this project idea for kids. It looks like they had so much fun. I appreciate the girl who did think out-of-the-box (out-of-the-text) and asked to do Oprah! Love that! Those smiles say it all. Your lesson plan makes me think about being an elementary school teacher!
Thank you so much for the positive feedback! Your last sentence speaks volumes and means a lot to me! If you’re ever seriously wanting to consider teaching at the elementary level, let me know and I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Not only is this a wonderfully meaningful project, your results were ridiculously adorable. Thanks for not only sharing the project, but also those photos!
-Kim
I love that you included the standards! This is such a great project for anytime of year! It looks like your students are really into it. I’m sure they learned a ton!
The smiles on the faces of these children are priceless! They will never forget this wonderful activity! Thank you so much for sharing your resource in action!
What a fun project! We do a wax museum every year with out third graders. It’s so much fun to see all their costumes!
Wax museums are wonderful too! The fifth graders do one at our school. I’m sure your third graders love it!