Introduction to Heroism

Overview

Year Group: Step Up to English Silver Step (Age approx. 7)
Students: 12 SEN learners with ASC and SLCN, working 4+ years below chronological age
Duration: 45 minutes
Unit: Exploring Heroism in Literature (Lesson 1 of 30)
Curriculum Reference:

English Programmes of Study, Key Stage 2 (Adapted for Entry 2 Level English)
Reading: Develop pleasure in reading, motivation to read, vocabulary, and understanding
Writing: Develop skills in speaking and listening to support comprehension
Speaking and Listening: Participate in discussions, ask and answer questions

WALT

We Are Learning To understand the concept of heroism.

Success Criteria

I can say what heroism means in my own words.
I can recognise examples of heroes from stories and pictures.
I can share a hero I know or have seen.

National Curriculum Links

English – Reading: Develop understanding of texts by discussing words and phrases that capture meaning.
English – Speaking & Listening: Participate actively in conversations; explain ideas clearly and confidently.
Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE): Recognise qualities of role models and positive behaviour.

Resources

Large colourful poster with simple definition of heroism
Visual story cards showing different heroes (e.g., firefighter, doctor, parent, fictional hero)
Dyslexia-friendly storybook extract featuring a simple heroic act (large font, sans-serif, coloured background)
Whiteboard, markers
Sticky notes for student input
Audio recording of a short story about a hero (to support SLCN learners)
Hero masks or props for role play

Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Description	Differentiation
0–5 mins	Engagement: What is a Hero?	Show large poster stating: "A hero is someone who helps others or does something brave." Ask students what they think "hero" means. Use think-pair-share with a partner.	Use visual symbols beside the definition. Provide exemplar answers with sentence starters: "A hero is..."
5–15 mins	Story Time and Listening Activity	Read aloud a short dyslexia-friendly story about a fictional hero (e.g., a character helping others). Play audio recording simultaneously. Use pictures to support comprehension.	Provide printed story and audio; students can follow along at own pace. Pause to check understanding. Use yes/no or multiple-choice questions to support comprehension.
15–25 mins	Hero Sorting Activity	Use story cards and pictures of different people (firefighter, teacher, parent, superhero). Students sort cards into "heroes" and "not heroes" groups on the board with teacher support.	Scaffold sorting with hints; allow students to physically manipulate cards. Use group work to encourage peer support.
25–35 mins	Group Discussion & Role Play	In small groups, students discuss what heroes do. Use hero masks/props for a simple role play showing heroic behaviour. Each group performs a short act.	Provide scripts or sentence templates ("I help by..."). Allow non-verbal role play options for ASC learners.
35–40 mins	Reflection: My Hero	Students write or draw about a hero they know (family member, character, etc.) on sticky notes to put on a "Hero Wall." Teacher scribes where needed.	Allow drawing instead of writing. Use sentence starters, word banks, or technology-assisted writing apps if available.
40–45 mins	Plenary & Extension Task	Recap WALT and success criteria. Ask students to vote on their favourite hero from today’s lesson. Introduce homework (optional extension): research a hero from history and bring a picture or fact to share next lesson.	Extension for advanced learners. Provide links to biographies or simple online resources for home support.

Differentiation Strategies

Use multi-sensory teaching: audio, visual, and kinaesthetic approaches.
Provide clear, simple language and repeat key vocabulary.
Use visual aids extensively to anchor concepts.
Encourage peer support and partner work to scaffold learning.
Provide alternative communication methods (symbols, drawings) for non-verbal learners.
Allow more time and breaks to reduce sensory or communication overload.

Extension Activity

Research a hero from history (e.g. Florence Nightingale, Nelson Mandela) using simple age-appropriate sources at home or in the library. Prepare to share one interesting fact.

Assessment

Teacher observation notes on student participation in discussions and sorting activity.
Check comprehension through yes/no questions and ability to identify heroes.
Review students' sticky notes or drawings for understanding of heroism.
Anecdotal records during role play assessing clarity and engagement.

Teacher Reflection Prompts

Did all students engage with the concept of heroism?
Were visual supports effective for comprehension?
Which students needed additional scaffolding or alternative tasks?
How did the multisensory elements support learners with ASC and SLCN?
How can this lesson be adapted further for future sessions?

This lesson plan meets the National Curriculum aims by fostering speaking, listening, and reading engagement tailored to SEN learners, using a multi-sensory and highly differentiated approach to introduce the concept of heroism effectively.