Traits of a Hero

1. Traits of a Hero How do we define a hero?

2. Qualities of a Hero • Sacrifice is the ability to give up something highly valued for the sake of one considered to have a greater value or claim. • Selflessness is the quality of unselfish concern for the welfare of others and acting with less concern for yourself. • Conviction is a fixed or strong belief; a necessity of the mind or an unshakable belief. • Determination is a commitment to achieve a specific goal or outcome. • Dedication is the ability to give the necessary time and commitment need to achieve a specific goal or purpose. • Perseverance is persistent determination. • Focus is the ability to direct one's energy toward a particular point or purpose; to concentrate one's energy. • Intrepidnessis being adventurous or the ability to take calculated risks. • Loyalty is the feeling of allegiance to or responsibility for someone or something.

3. What is Courage? Courage is the ability to meet danger and not be overcome with paralyzing fear. There are several types of courage: • Valor is courage often exhibited in war. It is the type of ongoing, consistent courage that serves as role model for other soldiers. A soldier of valor will have been through several life threatening battles and still be a role model for others. • Gallantry is adventurous courage, which faces danger with a high and cheerful spirit. • Fortitude can be thought of as the quiet courage required to survive long periods in a dangerous or desperate situation and still retain hope and an unbroken spirit. • Bravery is daring and impulsive courage. Often the type that comes from ordinary people in times of crisis.

4. Activity Pieces of paper with these definitions are being handed around the class. In pairs, add the name of at least one person or group of people who has shown the personality trait. Write down their name and their heroic act or skill that proves they have this trait. e.g. Intrepidness Sir Edmund Hillary- First to climb Mt. Everest (added by Mrs. Hillman) RULES • You only have one minute to write your response down. • You have two pass cards that you can give to the teacher if you both can’t come up with a name. • Use your pass cards wisely, you have to come up with a name and reason for heroism for all other words!

5. Activity • Now we will do a gallery walk. You have five minutes to walk around and look at the completed lists. Are their any heroes that interest you or you want to out more details about? Go ask the people who added them to the list! • Now we are going to the library to select a hero biography or autobiography. Does your choice display some of these personality traits? Hopefully the do; this will help you do the assignment.