Who Are Our Heroes? Script

Slide 1: Who Are Our Heroes?

"Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about a very special topic: heroes. To start, I want you to think for a moment: Who is a hero to you? It could be someone you know, someone from a story, or even someone you've only heard about.


Why is that person a hero? What did they do? Share your ideas with the group."

Slide 2: Historical Heroes

"That's great! We hear lots of wonderful ideas about heroes. Today, we're going to focus on a special kind of hero: historical figures, or historical heroes. These are real people who lived a long time ago and did amazing, important things that changed the world for the better. They weren't superheroes with capes, but they had qualities like bravery, kindness, and smarts that made a big difference."

Slide 3: Harriet Tubman

"Let's look at some examples! First up, we have Harriet Tubman. Harriet Tubman was incredibly brave. She was born into slavery, but she escaped to freedom. And guess what? She didn't stop there! She went back many, many times to help over 300 other enslaved people find their freedom too. She risked her life again and again to help others. That's a true hero, isn't it?"

Slide 4: Ruby Bridges

"Next, meet Ruby Bridges. When Ruby was just six years old, she became the first African American child to attend an all-white elementary school in Louisiana. Imagine being so young and walking into a new school with crowds of people shouting at you. It took incredible courage! Because of her bravery, she helped to make schools fair for all children, no matter their skin color."

Slide 5: George Washington Carver

"Here's another amazing historical figure, George Washington Carver. He was a brilliant scientist who found many new ways to use plants, like peanuts and sweet potatoes. Before him, farmers often grew only one crop, which made their soil unhealthy. George Washington Carver taught them how to grow different plants to keep the soil healthy and create new products, helping many farmers and people in general. He was super smart and used his brain to help everyone."

Slide 6: What Makes a Hero?

"So, after learning about Harriet Tubman, Ruby Bridges, and George Washington Carver, what do you think are some things that make someone a hero? What qualities did they have? Let's make a list together.

(Allow students to share ideas, guiding them to concepts like: Brave, Kind, Smart, Helps others, Stands up for what is right.)

Yes! Heroes often show qualities like being brave, kind, smart, helping others, and standing up for what they believe is right."

Slide 7: Historical Hero Cards Activity

"Now it's your turn to explore more historical heroes! I'm going to give each of you a 'Historical Hero Card.' On your card, you'll see a picture and a little bit about another important person from history. Your task is to work with a partner.

First, quietly read about the person on your card. Then, with your partner, discuss these two questions:

• What makes this person a hero?
• What impact did they have on the world?

I'll give you about 7 minutes to discuss. Then we'll come back together and share some of your discoveries!"

Slide 8: You Can Be a Hero Too!

"Fantastic discussions, everyone! We've learned about so many incredible people today and the amazing things they did. Remember, even though these heroes lived long ago or did really big things, every one of us can be a hero in our own way, right here in our community. Even small acts of kindness, courage, or trying to solve a problem can make a big difference.

To finish up, I have a quick question for you to answer on an exit ticket: Name one historical figure we discussed today and one thing they did to make them a hero.


Take a moment to write down your answer. Great job today, everyone!"

Historical Hero Cards Activity

Instructions for Teacher:

1. Print and cut out the cards below. Laminate for durability if desired.
2. Distribute one card to each student (or pair of students, depending on group size).
3. Instruct students to read their card and then discuss the prompts with a partner.
4. After the partner discussion, bring the group back together to share some insights.

Historical Hero Card 1: Rosa Parks

Picture: (Imagine a picture of Rosa Parks here)

Who was she? Rosa Parks was a brave woman who lived in Montgomery, Alabama. In 1955, she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger, even though the law at the time said she had to. This was a very courageous act that sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

What makes her a hero? She stood up for fairness and showed great courage, even when it was difficult. Her actions helped start a big movement for civil rights.

Discussion Prompts:

• What makes Rosa Parks a hero?
  
  
  
• What impact did her actions have on the world?
  
  
  

Historical Hero Card 2: Martin Luther King Jr.

Picture: (Imagine a picture of Martin Luther King Jr. here)

Who was he? Martin Luther King Jr. was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. He believed in peaceful protests and gave powerful speeches about equal rights for all people. He dreamed of a world where everyone was treated fairly.

What makes him a hero? He inspired millions of people to fight for justice and equality without using violence. His dream changed laws and hearts.

Discussion Prompts:

• What makes Martin Luther King Jr. a hero?
  
  
  
• What impact did his speeches and leadership have on the world?
  
  
  

Historical Hero Card 3: Sacagawea

Picture: (Imagine a picture of Sacagawea here)

Who was she? Sacagawea was a Shoshone woman who helped Lewis and Clark explore the western part of North America. She served as a guide and interpreter, using her knowledge of the land and languages to help their expedition.

What makes her a hero? She was resourceful and brave, guiding the expedition through unknown lands and helping to communicate with different Native American tribes. Her contributions were vital to the success of the journey.

Discussion Prompts:

• What makes Sacagawea a hero?
  
  
  
• What impact did her help have on the exploration of North America?
  
  
  

Historical Hero Card 4: Clara Barton

Picture: (Imagine a picture of Clara Barton here)

Who was she? Clara Barton was a nurse during the American Civil War. She risked her life to bring supplies and aid to soldiers on the battlefield. After the war, she founded the American Red Cross, an organization that helps people in emergencies.

What makes her a hero? She showed immense compassion and bravery by caring for wounded soldiers and later created an organization that continues to save lives and provide relief around the world.

Discussion Prompts:

• What makes Clara Barton a hero?
  
  
  
• What impact did her work have on helping people in need?
  
  
  

Historical Hero Card 5: Mae C. Jemison

Picture: (Imagine a picture of Mae C. Jemison here)

Who was she? Mae C. Jemison is an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut. She became the first African American woman to travel into space in 1992.

What makes her a hero? She broke barriers and inspired countless people to pursue careers in science and space exploration. She showed that with hard work and determination, you can achieve your dreams.

Discussion Prompts:

• What makes Mae C. Jemison a hero?
  
  
  
• What impact did her journey into space have on others?
  
  
  

Historical Heroes Cool Down: Exit Ticket

Name: ___________________________

Instructions: Please answer the following question to the best of your ability.

Name one historical figure we discussed today (or from your card) and one thing they did that made them a hero.