Terry Fox Inspiration

Overview

This 30-minute lesson is designed for a Grade 1 class of 16 students. It introduces students to the life and legacy of Terry Fox, helping them develop an understanding of courage, perseverance, and community spirit—all key values celebrated across Canada and emphasized within the Alberta Social Studies curriculum.

Curriculum Connections

Alberta Social Studies Curriculum (Grade 1):

• Curricular Competency: Demonstrate awareness of people, places, and events that reflect values shared by communities.
• Content Focus: Important people and stories in the local and Canadian community; ways people have contributed to their community over time.
• Indicator:
  • Describe people who have made a difference in the community and explain the contributions they have made.

This lesson supports the development of personal and social responsibility by fostering respect for diversity and understanding of civic contributions.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Identify who Terry Fox was and describe why he is an important Canadian figure.
• Explain the meaning of courage and perseverance through the story of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope.
• Recognize how one person’s actions can inspire and help a community.

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Materials Needed

• Picture book or short video about Terry Fox (age-appropriate)
• Large picture of Terry Fox wearing his iconic Canada jersey
• Chart paper with “What does Terry Fox teach us?”
• Markers, crayons, and paper for drawing
• Mini “Marathon of Hope” printable medal or sticker for each student

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Lesson Plan

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Begin with a warm welcome, show students a picture of Terry Fox and ask:
  "Who do you think this is? What do you notice about him?"
• Share that Terry Fox is a Canadian hero who showed bravery by running to raise money and awareness for people who are sick.
• Explain in simple terms that Terry lost a leg to cancer but still tried to run across Canada to help others.

2. Story Time (7 minutes)

• Read a picture book or show a brief, child-friendly video about Terry Fox’s life and the Marathon of Hope.
• Pause to ask questions like: "What made Terry special? How did Terry show courage?"
• Highlight key values: bravery, never giving up, helping others.

3. Group Discussion & Charting (5 minutes)

• Ask students: "What does Terry Fox teach us about helping others and being brave?"
• Record students’ answers on chart paper under the heading, “What does Terry Fox teach us?”
• Use quotes or simple terms from students like “Be brave,” “Help people,” “Try hard.”

4. Creative Drawing Activity (8 minutes)

• Provide paper and crayons.
• Instruct: “Draw a picture of Terry Fox or something brave you can do to help others.”
• Encourage sharing drawings afterwards to build confidence.

5. Wrap-Up and Celebration (5 minutes)

• Recap the lesson by reviewing the chart and reinforcing Terry’s example of courage and kindness.
• Present each student with a printable “Marathon of Hope” medal or sticker as a symbol of their learning and to encourage continued acts of kindness.
• Close with a simple class cheer: “We are brave! We help others!”

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Assessment

• Ongoing observation: Teacher notes participation during discussions and engagement in story and drawing activity.
• Formative assessment: Review students’ drawings and chart responses to ensure comprehension of courage and community contribution.
• Verbal check: Ask students to share one thing they learned about Terry Fox before the lesson ends.

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Extensions & Home Connection

• Encourage families to talk about local or community heroes at home and share stories with the class.
• Suggest students bring photos or stories of someone they admire for a follow-up sharing circle.

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Teacher’s Reflection Tips

• Did students connect Terry Fox’s story with the ideas of courage and community?
• Were students able to express who Terry Fox was with simple descriptions?
• Plan for visual reminders in the classroom to revisit these values throughout the year.

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This lesson brings alive the Alberta curriculum’s focus on community and personal responsibility through an iconic Canadian story, engaging young learners in values that foster empathy, perseverance, and civic pride.