People Who Changed the World: Heroes of the Past
Learning Goals:
- Learn new words about important people from history.
- Talk about famous people who made a difference.
- Read about the work of inspiring people in different fields.
- Listen to a story about an inventor.
- Write about a person you admire from history.
Key Words:
- Historical figure: Someone important from the past who we remember for their actions.
- Leader: Someone who guides others, like a president or a king/queen.
- Inventor: Someone who creates something new, like a machine or a tool.
- Artist: Someone who makes paintings, sculptures, music, or other creative works.
- Activist: Someone who works to bring about social change.
Let’s Talk About It!
- Can you name some famous historical figures? (Examples: Martin Luther King Jr., Albert Einstein, Cleopatra)
- What are some things that make a person a hero? (Bravery, kindness, intelligence, creativity, determination)
- Who is a historical figure that you admire? Why?
Let’s Read!
Throughout history, there have been many incredible people who changed the world. Mahatma Gandhi led his people to freedom through peaceful protest. Marie Curie discovered new things about science and helped cure diseases. Vincent van Gogh painted beautiful pictures that make people feel happy and sad. Harriet Tubman helped many people escape slavery and find freedom.
Questions About the Reading:
- What did Mahatma Gandhi do?
- What did Marie Curie discover?
- What did Harriet Tubman do to help others?
Listen and Learn!
(Teacher plays a short story about Nikola Tesla, a famous inventor who helped create the way we use electricity today. Focus on his inventions and how they changed the world.)
Talk with a Partner!
One of you is a journalist. The other is a famous historical figure. The journalist asks questions about the person’s life and work.
Example:
- Journalist: “Mr. Einstein, what inspired you to study science?”
- Einstein: “I’ve always been curious about how the world works. I wanted to understand the mysteries of the universe.”
Homework:
Write a short paragraph about a historical figure you admire. Tell us who they were, what they did, and why you think they’re important.
Extra Fun:
If you can, find a portrait or photograph of the historical figure you wrote about. Share it with the class and tell us what you find interesting about their appearance.
