Lesson Plan
A "Humble" Victory
Students will be able to analyze the meaning of the word "Humble" in the context of Wilbur's prize and Charlotte's character.
Understanding humility helps students recognize valuable character traits in themselves and others, fostering empathy and a deeper appreciation for diverse forms of success beyond just winning.
Audience
3rd Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Through reading, discussion, and a creative project.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Humble and Victorious Slides, Copies of Charlotte's Web (or relevant excerpt), My "Humble" Hero Profile Project Guide, What Makes a Hero? Discussion Guide, and Paper and pencils/crayons for students
Prep
Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Humble and Victorious Slides and practice the script for smooth delivery.
* Prepare the Charlotte's Web excerpt focusing on Wilbur receiving his award and Charlotte's role.
* Print copies of the My "Humble" Hero Profile Project Guide for each student.
* Familiarize yourself with the What Makes a Hero? Discussion Guide to facilitate the conversation.
* Ensure art supplies (paper, pencils, crayons) are readily available.
Step 1
Word Definition Warm-up
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students what comes to mind when they hear the word "victory." Record their responses on the board.
* Introduce the word "humble." Ask students if they know what it means. Guide them to consider how someone might win a victory in a "humble" way.
* Display the definition of "humble" (having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance) on the board or via Humble and Victorious Slides. Discuss as a class what this means.
Step 2
Reading and Climax Analysis
10 minutes
- Direct students to the relevant pages in Charlotte's Web (or distribute the excerpt).
* Read aloud or have students read independently the section where Wilbur receives his award at the fair.
* Pause to discuss:
* How does Wilbur react to his victory?
* How does Charlotte contribute to Wilbur's success?
* In what ways is Wilbur's victory a "humble" one, especially considering Charlotte's actions and character?
* Guide students to connect Charlotte's quiet, selfless efforts to the concept of humility. Use Humble and Victorious Slides to prompt discussion questions.
Step 3
"Humble" Hero Project
8 minutes
- Introduce the My "Humble" Hero Profile Project Guide. Explain that students will think about a real-life or fictional hero who demonstrates humility.
* Distribute the project guide and art supplies.
* Students will draw their hero and write a few sentences explaining how their hero shows humility. This can be done individually or in pairs.
Step 4
Discussion: What Makes a Hero?
5 minutes
- Bring the class back together. Use the What Makes a Hero? Discussion Guide to lead a brief class discussion.
* Share a few examples of student
Slide Deck
A "Humble" Victory!
What comes to mind when you hear the word... VICTORY?
Let's brainstorm together!
Welcome students and prepare them for a lesson on a special kind of victory. Ask them to share their initial thoughts on 'victory.'
What Does "Humble" Mean?
Humble (adjective): Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance.
Think: How can someone win in a humble way?
Introduce the word 'humble.' Ask students if they've heard it before or can guess its meaning. Display the definition and discuss it as a class.
Our Story: Charlotte's Web
We're going to revisit a special part of Charlotte's Web.
Get ready to read about Wilbur's big moment!
Transition to Charlotte's Web. Remind students of Wilbur and Charlotte. Explain that they will read about Wilbur's big moment.
Wilbur's Big Win!
After reading:
- How did Wilbur react to his prize?
- How did Charlotte help Wilbur?
- Why was this a "humble" victory for Wilbur and Charlotte?
Guide students through the reading. After reading, use these prompts to facilitate discussion. Encourage them to connect Wilbur's reaction and Charlotte's actions to the definition of 'humble.'
Who Is Your Humble Hero?
Now it's your turn to think about a hero.
- Who is someone you admire who shows humility?
- You'll create a profile for them!
Introduce the "My Humble Hero Profile" project. Explain that students will draw a hero and write about how they are humble.
What Makes a Hero?
Let's share our ideas!
- What makes someone a true hero?
- How does humility fit into being a hero?
Lead the concluding discussion using the discussion guide. Ask students to share their heroes and thoughts on what makes a hero.
Project Guide
My "Humble" Hero Profile
Objective: To identify and illustrate a hero who demonstrates humility and explain how they show this important character trait.
Instructions:
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Think: Think of a person (real or fictional) you admire who shows humility. This could be a family member, a historical figure, a character from a book, or even someone you know from your community.
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Draw: On a piece of paper, draw a picture of your humble hero. Make sure your drawing clearly shows who your hero is.
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Write: Below your drawing, write 2-3 sentences explaining why you chose this person as your humble hero and how they demonstrate humility. Remember the definition of humble: having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance.
My Humble Hero:
Example Sentence Starters:
- "I chose __________ because they show humility when..."
- "My hero, __________, is humble because..."
Discussion
What Makes a Hero? Discussion Guide
Objective: To facilitate a meaningful conversation about the qualities of a hero, focusing on how humility contributes to heroism.
Discussion Prompts:
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Opening Question: We've talked about Wilbur and Charlotte. What are some words you would use to describe a hero?
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Connecting to Humility: How does being