Heroes and Celebrities - conversation

Purpose:

To help students recognize distinctions between heroes and celebrities.

Duration:

1-2 class periods

Objectives:

• From class discussion and a vocabulary game, students will match eight vocabulary terms: celebrity, charity, service, volunteer, hero, leader, role model, and philanthropy, to a correct definition.
• Students will differentiate between "hero" and "celebrity" using a Venn diagram.

Materials:

• List of vocabulary terms and definitions (see Instructional Procedures).
• Index cards
• Venn Diagram sheet
• Heroes and Celebrities Vocabulary Quiz (see Attachment One)

Handout 1

Heroes and Celebrities Vocabulary Quiz

Handout 2

Prueba de Vocabulario de Héroes y Celebridades

Instructional Procedure(s):

Anticipatory Set:
Ask students to name someone they consider a hero. Brainstorm a list and write on the board or overhead. Include all names given. Examples: fireman, policeman, mom, dad, as well as specific names such as Michael Jordan, Princess Diana, Mother Theresa, etc. (Students will generally name sports and entertainment figures).

• Have students look carefully at the complete list, then together try to identify characteristics of a hero. Examples: courageous, unselfish, generous, caring, selfless, a volunteer, someone who goes above and beyond, stands for achievement, gives to society or the community.
• Help students develop the following characteristics for a hero:
  • A hero does things to help others.
  • A hero contributes to society in a positive way.
  • A hero doesn't always know anyone else knows what he or she does.
  • A hero doesn't usually receive money and may not receive status for the deed.
  • The work a hero performs often goes unnoticed.
  • A hero may or may not be recognized by the media.
  • A hero uses talents or abilities to impact others or society in a positive way.
• Help students develop the following characteristics for a celebrity:
  • A celebrity is highly visible-well known.
  • A celebrity is usually recognized for some form of talent, beauty, or material quality.
  • A celebrity is usually recognized for a performance.
  • A celebrity's image or recognition in the media may change.
• Look at the list of named heroes/heroines, then using the list of traits you identified for "Hero" and "Celebrity." Place the names in the proper categories.
• You may want to place names on individual index cards, pass them out to students, and have a student place his card in the proper category. Discuss why the name belongs in that category. Perhaps some names could be placed in both.
• Introduce the following vocabulary words:
  
  celebrity - (noun)
  1. A highly visible person, usually recognized for some form of talent, beauty, or quality.
  
  charity - (noun)
  
  2. Tolerance or understanding in judging others. 
  3. The giving of money or other help to needy people. 
  4. A group or fund organized to help needy people.
  
  service - (noun)
  1. The act or work of helping others; aid.
  2. Work or employment for someone else.
  3. Benefit or use - work that helps other people.
  
  volunteer - (noun)
  1. Someone who does a job or gives services freely and usually without pay.
  2. (verb) to give or offer usually without being asked.
  
  hero - (noun)
  1. Any person admired for great courage, nobility, qualities, or achievements and regarded as an ideal or model.
  
  leader - (noun)
  1. A person that shows the way or directs others.
  2. To guide or direct by influence to do something.
  3. To be at the first or head of.
  
  role-model - (noun)
  1. A person who is usually successful or inspiring in some social role, job, position, and so serves as a model for others.
  
  philanthropy - (noun)
  1. Private action for the public or common good.
  
• Practice using vocabulary terms in sentences. This activity may be written, or place each vocabulary term on an index card.
• Assign small groups (3-4); pass out index cards, asking each group to work cooperatively to come up with a sentence for each word on their index cards.
• Groups share sentences. The class identifies the correct vocabulary term from the sentence.

Activity:

Play a vocabulary game:

·        Divide class in two groups.  Groups take turns, as you give clues, guessing letters that identify the vocabulary term.  A team may, at any point, try to guess the correct vocabulary term.  If the team makes an incorrect guess, they lose 1 point.  The team that correctly identifies the vocabulary term scores 3 points.

·        If no one identifies the vocabulary term, the term is given and placed back in the pile to be used again.   Play game several times.

Assessment:

• Students fill out a Venn Diagram, comparing the word "celebrity" with the word "hero," identifying at least three traits for each word.
• "Heroes and Celebrities Vocabulary Quiz" (see Attachment One).