First Grade Hero Study

Our first graders have been deeply invested researching the heroes that they each chose to study.  Information is being gathered at home with their families as well as here at school, reading books, watching videos, and using internet resources.  We have been so impressed with how much they are learning about each other’s heroes as well as their own!

The students recently had a chance to share their hard work with their fourth grade partners.  It was inspiring to listen in and hear them share what they had discovered about their hero and in turn hear who their partner had researched when they were in first grade.  The students were filled with pride sharing their writing, drawing and hero portraits.

One aspect that each student undertook was finding a quote from their hero that had meaning to them.  These were shared with their classmates and are now on display in the hallway outside of Susan and Janmarie’s classroom.  Please be sure to stop by and be inspired.

We were all inspired on our visit to the National Liberty Museum in Center City, Philadelphia where the focus is to “live like a hero.”  Throughout the museum there were quotations and images of every kind of hero and amazing artwork that represented liberty.  Our guides provoked interesting and thoughtful conversations from the students relating to specific heroes such as Helen Keller and Wilma Rudolph.  They engaged deep thinking around diversity and liberty using artwork and story. When our guide asked what the students learned during their visit, some responses included: “We know about more heroes than before we came here. Fire and freedom can be the same thing; they can be good or bad. We can each do something to make a difference.”

The museum is a fascinating and inspiring place to visit. It would be wonderful destination for a family outing. You can check it out online http://www.libertymuseum.org/