IMAGE/PROMPT: Heroes & Villains

[Ryan Goble]

People often do work in English and History classes around "heroes and villains."

I thought this prompt:

Find an Internet article about someone you think might be a hero. After reading the article, determine whether you believe he/she is really a hero. Write about your conclusions using details from the story and the characteristics of a hero discussed in class to support your answer.

Hopefully, your definition embraces the tragic flaws of a hero.

This is also a nice way to talk about how primary sources portray public figures. It wouldn't be hard to find other primary sources that portray Alex Rodriguez as a hero. See "Alex Rodriguez Is Still a Baseball Hero Not Villain".

I thought this image from Metro New York last year would make for an interesting, high interest discussion starter:

For kids that might not have background knowledge about the plane crash - you might need to link to this incredible animation with audio:


For kids that might need some background knowledge about Alex Rodriguez:

Enjoy!

Ryan

[Sean]

Fantastic idea to add to my hero unit! If I can get my proposal of English electives for English credit for upperclassmen through to the school board, I might end up teaching a semester of "What is a hero?" I'd be superpumped for that!

[Ryan Goble]

Hey Sean, I'm glad you dug this - it is a little ditty that could really become a massive project. If you end up developing it further please post your elaborations online!