Following in Their Footsteps

Subjects

Language Arts
Literature
World History
Character Education

Grades

• 3-5
• 6-8
• 9-12

Brief Description

This lesson may be used as a book report for either a biography or an autobiography. It could also be used in a history class; or adapted to use to teach a character education class.

Objectives

As students read the biography of a famous person, they look for the positive character traits they might "follow" in their own lives.

Keywords

book report, character education, character, biography, autobiography

Materials Needed

• construction paper
• scissors
• glue, magnets, or sticky tack (optional)

The Lesson

As students read biographies for either a book report or a history class, this activity will help them think about the positive character traits of the person and about positive character traits they might incorporate into their own lives.

Before assigning the book report, lead a "brainstorming" session on the board. Challenge students to list character qualities they would look for in a leader. Have students copy the list for reference as they read their book. Encourage them to make notes of examples of good leadership qualities as they read.

When the students have completed the reading assignment, the fun begins! On a piece of construction paper, have each student trace the outline of their two shoes. Then they will cut out their "footprints."

On one of their shoe cutouts, have students write the title of their book; the name of the author; the person the book is about; and a three- or four-sentence summary of the book.

On the other tennis shoe cutout, have students write examples of the good character qualities they read about that they might follow in their own lives. If needed, they may make another set of "footprints" to list additional examples.

Displaying the Footprints to Follow

These "footprints to follow" may be displayed in several ways:

As each student presents an oral book report, s/he may use a magnet or sticky tack to attach their footprints to the board or the wall display. The longer the "footprint" trail the more fun it will be to follow!

Lay the footprints on the classroom floor or in the hall. Invite all students to follow the trail as they read about the good qualities their classmates found in famous peoples lives.

Partner with a younger classroom. Have the young students trace and cut out a set of their own footprints. As they read the "footprints to follow" displayed by their older buddies, they might add their own footprints to show that they will try to develop those good characteristics in their own lives.

I've had students do their own creative variations on the footprint theme. Some of them have decorated actual shoes. Others have traced a parent's shoes to represent the person in the biography and attached their own footprints behind that of the famous leader.

Assessment

You will be able to make an assessment as students share their footprint information with classmates.

Submitted By

Patti Stephenson, Tri-City Christian School in Independence , Missouri

Education World®
Copyright © 2007 Education World

04/05/2007

 

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