• Tools:
• Save |
• Print |
• E-mail |
• Most Popular |

CNN Heroes: A note to educators

Adjust font size:

(CNN) -- Would you like to tell the world about a student you know, between the ages of 13-18, who has achieved something outstanding? Do you know a colleague who has shown an exceptional commitment to the welfare of young people? Are your students eager to share their own stories about people who have made a real difference in their lives or in their communities? If so, CNN wants to hear from you.

CNN's global initiative "CNN Heroes" is showcasing examples of ordinary people who have accomplished extraordinary deeds. Educators and students who are at least 13 years of age as of May 1, 2007, are encouraged to submit stories about their heroes.

The most outstanding viewer-submitted nominees from around the world will be honored during a special live global broadcast, hosted by CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, on CNN and CNN International on Thursday, December 6, 2007, at 9 p.m. ET.

Discussing heroes with students

"CNN Heroes" spotlights and celebrates the very best of humankind. Students will discover the many ways that one person can contribute to society and will come to appreciate their own potential to make a difference in the world. To help students identify, write and submit stories about the heroes in their lives, pose the following questions for class discussion:

1. How do you define the term "hero?"
2. What adjectives would you use to describe heroes?
3. Who are some individuals whom you would classify as heroes? Explain why you would assign that label to each person you listed.
4. How would you define the term "celebrity?" What are the differences and/or similarities between heroes and celebrities? Can celebrities be heroes? Explain.
5. Do you think that it is important that we have heroes? Why or why not?
6. How do you think that we should choose our heroes? What criteria should we use?
7. Do you think that heroes are born or made? Explain.
8. Do you believe that one person can make a difference in the world? State your rationale.
9. Who is your hero? How has this person made a difference for the better? Is there a specific event or turning point that motivated your hero to take action? Why does this person deserve a CNN Hero award?

Nominating categories

CNN Hero Awards will be given in six nominating categories. Have students select the category that best describes their hero's achievements.

1. Defending the Planet -- Innovative efforts to preserve and protect the environment
2. Fighting for Justice -- Advancing the cause of civil or equal rights
3. Community Crusader -- Creating solutions to a local program or social issue
4. Medical Marvel -- Dedication to the enhancement of human health
5. Championing Children -- Commitment to the welfare of young people
6. Young Wonder -- Outstanding achievement by a person under the age of 18

Connections to national standards

The study of heroes can be integrated in a variety of ways across the curriculum, from language arts to civics. You can use this initiative as a vehicle to demonstrate students' skill requirements in writing, critical thinking or character education. Lessons on the subject of heroes meet the following national standards.

IRA/NCTE Standards for the English Language Arts

4. Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.

5. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.

7. Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions, and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., print and nonprint texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience.

8. Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

11. Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of a variety of literacy communities.

The Standards for the English Language Arts (http://www.readwritethink.org/standards/) are published by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) (http://www.ncte.org/homepage/).

National Standards for Civics and Government (Grades 9-12)

V. What are the Roles of the Citizen in American Democracy?

The National Standards for Civics and Government http://www.civiced.org/912erica.htm are published by the Center for Civic Education (http://www.civiced.org/index.html).

NCSS National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies

Standard I: Culture

Standard II: Time, Continuity and Change

Standard IV: Individual Development and Identity

The Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (http://www.socialstudies.org/standards/) are published by the National Council for Social Studies (http://ncss.org/).

National Science Education Standards

CONTENT STANDARD F: Science in Personal and Social Perspectives

As a result of activities in grades 9-12 all students should develop an understanding of:

The National Science Education Standards (http://books.nap.edu/html/nses/pdf/index.html) are published by the National Academies Press (http://www.nas.edu/).

Nomination Form

Legal Disclosures

Source: Explosive device sewn in suspect's underwear Part of an explosive device that failed to take down a plane last week was sewn into the underwear of the Nigerian man accused of igniting it, a law enforce ...

---

• Official: Device was in suspect's underwear
• Charlie Sheen wife's 911 call released
• FBI questions man about 'pyrotechnic device'
• Parents remain divided in West Memphis 3 case
• Activist targets illegal slaughter farms

• Videos highlight Iranian groundswell
• House Dems signal end for public option
• Ticker: Injury at Obama vacation home
• Obama: Keep pressure on terrorists
• 'Pyrotechnic device' found on U.S. flight

• Talkin' 'Icky Thump' blues (1:40)
• 'Why you treat yourself bad?' (3:15)
• Soviet culture returns (3:47)
• Unseemly rap lyrics targeted (3:29)
• Now In The News (Updated: 11:30 a.m. ET)