Kagan
It's All About Engagement!
Portraits of Character
Fighting Giants - Ralph Nader
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, Ralph Nader defends consumer rights. After reading the story, use the Thinking Questions to have students discuss in pairs or teams. For example, “Why is Ralph called ‘a friend of the people’? In what ways has he helped American consumers?” Use the Writing Ideas to have students write and share their writing with teammates or classmates. For example, “Ralph fought for safety belts in cars. Now many states have laws that require automobile passengers to wear safety belts. How do you feel about being required to wear a seat belt? Write a paragraph that supports your opinion.” 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.