Kagan
It's All About Engagement!
Portraits of Character
Defying Fear—Samantha Smith
Portraits of Character are easy-to-read stories that are just a few pages long. They feature everyday heroes as well as celebrities. Each story highlights an extraordinary display of character. In this story, Samantha Smith pens a letter to Andropov. After reading the story, use the Thinking Questions to have students discuss in pairs or teams. For example, “Do you think it is unusual for a 10-year-old girl to think about world matters? Explain.” Use the Writing Ideas to have students write and share their writing with teammates or classmates. For example, “Think of a local or world situation that concerns you. Then think of a leader you would like to write to about this situation. Finally, draft a letter to this person and share your concerns about this issue.” Develop students’ character as well as thinking, reading, writing, and discussion skills as students read and reflect on this portrait of character.
Develop your students' character through positive role models. In each of these two books, there are 24 reproducible stories of people who exemplify positive character attributes. Some stories are about well-known individuals, celebrated for their positive contributions to others, to society, and to the world. Many stories focus on everyday heroes; ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. People who rise to the occasion. People who sacrifice personal safety for the sake of others or dedicate their lives to a worthy cause. Both celebrities and everyday heroes serve as positive role models for students. Each portrait includes a teacher guide that highlights the desirable traits, including thinking questions and writing ideas about the story and character. 148 pages each.