Terry Fox Heroes

Overview

This 30-minute lesson introduces 1st grade students to Terry Fox, a Canadian hero who inspired the country through his Marathon of Hope. The lesson aligns with the Alberta Social Studies curriculum, focusing on identity, community, and citizenship within Canada.

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Alberta Curriculum Connections

Program of Studies: Social Studies, Grade 1

• General Outcome:

  • Social Studies 1.1: Students demonstrate awareness and appreciation for the diverse people and events that have influenced their community and Canada.

• Specific Learner Outcomes:

  • 1.1.1: Identify individuals and events that are important to the community and the country.
  • 1.1.2: Describe what it means to be a good citizen in a community and in Canada.
  • 1.1.3: Demonstrate respect for the contributions of others in cooperative activities.

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Learning Objectives

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

1. Explain who Terry Fox was and why he is considered a Canadian hero.
2. Identify the importance of helping others and working together in a community.
3. Complete a simple worksheet to recall key facts about Terry Fox and express their personal reflection.

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Materials

• Picture books or large images of Terry Fox
• Whiteboard and markers
• Worksheet: "My Terry Fox Story" (includes simple questions and a drawing section)
• Crayons or coloured pencils
• Short video clip or story read-aloud about Terry Fox (2-3 minutes) – read by the teacher if no electronics available

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Lesson Timing and Activities

1. Introduction and Engagement (5 minutes)

• Begin with a warm greeting and set the context: “Today, we are going to learn about a very special Canadian who wanted to help others – his name was Terry Fox.”
• Show a large picture of Terry Fox and ask, “Does anyone know who this is? What do you think he did that was special?”
• Briefly explain Terry’s story in simple language: “Terry lost a leg but didn’t stop running. He wanted to help people who are sick by running a big race across Canada called the Marathon of Hope.”

2. Story Time / Video (5 minutes)

• Read aloud a short picture book or show a brief video about Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope, highlighting key points:
  • Terry’s determination
  • Running to raise money for cancer
  • How he showed kindness and courage
• Pause to ask 1-2 simple questions for comprehension: “What did Terry want to help with? How do you think he felt when he ran all that way?”

3. Group Discussion and Citizenship Connection (7 minutes)

• Facilitate a class discussion on what it means to be a good citizen using Terry Fox as an example.
  • Ask: “What kinds of things did Terry do to help other people?”
  • “How can we be good helpers and good citizens in our classroom or community?”
• Write key words on the board: help, kindness, try your best, work together.
• Encourage children to share an example of how they can help others.

4. Worksheet Activity (10 minutes)

• Hand out the "My Terry Fox Story" worksheet with these sections:
  1. Circle the right answers: (e.g., Did Terry Fox run a race? Yes/No)
  2. Draw a picture of Terry Fox running or helping others
  3. Complete the sentence: “I want to help others by...”
• Support students individually as needed. Encourage colourful and creative drawings.

5. Wrap-up and Reflection (3 minutes)

• Invite a few students to share their sentences or drawings.
• Reinforce the lesson’s key message: “Terry Fox showed us that anyone can be a hero by helping others and never giving up.”
• Congratulate students on their great listening and ideas.

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Assessment

Formative assessment through:

• Observation during group discussion and responses to questions.
• Review completed worksheets to check understanding of who Terry Fox was and the qualities of a good citizen.
• Note participation in sharing personal ideas about helping others.

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Extension Ideas (Optional)

• Plan a small "Run for Terry" event in the school yard, encouraging students to move/run while learning about helping.
• Invite a local cancer charity guest speaker for a follow-up talk in age-appropriate language.
• Create a classroom "Heroes Wall" featuring pictures and stories of Canadian heroes including Terry Fox.

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Worksheet: "My Terry Fox Story"

Name: ___________

1. Terry Fox was a…

   • Runner
   • Singer
   • Painter

2. Terry’s race was called the…

   • Marathon of Hope
   • Big Race
   • Fun Run

3. Why did Terry run?

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4. Draw Terry Fox running or helping people in the box below:

[Large blank box for drawing]

5. I want to help others by:

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This lesson embraces Alberta’s focus on community, citizenship, and identity, while engaging young students with meaningful, age-appropriate content about an iconic Canadian figure. It encourages empathy, reflection, and cooperative learning that fits the developmental levels of Grade 1 learners.