Session 1: Introduction to Heroes and Heroines, 1/26/07

Thanks to Mrs. LaMontagne-Long, the host teacher for the course, the students were well prepped for the Introductory class. They were curious about the course and excited about the prospect of something new.

In this first session (please take a look at the Powerpoint presentation for more details), I introduced the concept of mapping out a Heroic Life Journey. Using examples from the news, I spoke of the difference between Saddam Hussein and Wesley Autrey. One had wealth, opportunities, power, and used it all towards what ends? The other, unknown, became an overnight hero by risking his life in an instant decision to save another's.

I introduced a Native American story about a chief who spoke of a war within himself between two wolves....a cruel, mean, wolf and a kind, nurturing wolf. When asked which one would win the war, he replied, "The one which you feed." It was a story easily grasped by all of the students.

To illustrate the necessity of identifying one's true needs, working to satisfy those needs, and opening one's eyes to the often hidden wealth of wisdom, love, joy, etc. that is available to all of us if we truly seek it, I told a Sufi tale about Khidr and the Woodcutter. "Peeling back the Onion", the students as a group tried to discover the hidden teachings in the story. We shared some dates during the telling of the story, to symbolize the importance of sharing knowledge and wisdom. The more we share, the better we "shore up" our knowledge, and the more we, and others gain.

Next, we had a discussion about the Butterfly Effect and the extraordinary uses of "PI" in math and science. This discussion illustrated to the students that small things can make huge changes, that every decision counts, every person counts.

Each student was given a handout with the Agenda for the session, as well as a "hero chart". Both can be downloaded via the links for Session 1. The purpose of the hero chart was to 1) have the students think about their heroes and heroines: who were they? What did they admire about them? Writing down their attributes forced the students to think more clearly about what they valued about that person. 2) Have the students interview their parents to discover who their heroes and heroines are, as a way of creating greater interaction and understanding between parent and child.

We will eventually be creating a board game, and the students will design their own "character cards" based on the heroes and heroines they choose.

Thank goodness Mrs. LaMontagne-Long was there for all 4 classes. She knew the students well, and was prepared to step in whenever I faltered. Although I knew about 30 of the students from a Math class I've been assisting with at the school, this was my first opportunity to meet with the entire student body.