CHARACTER EDUCATION: THE IRON HORSE

Character means treating fellow athletes as you’d like to be treated. That means showing respect for yourself, your teammates, your opponents, the coaches on both sides, and the umpires and referees. It also means having the courage to stand up for what’s right and speak out against what’s wrong. The Baseball Hall of Fame honors players not only for their accomplishments in the game, but also for the character and courage that they display both on and off the field. In this thematic unit, attributes such as perseverance, courage, humility, respect, leadership, sportsmanship, loyalty and citizenship are highlighted by the lives and careers of Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, and Cal Ripken, Jr.

THEMATIC UNIT OBJECTIVE

  • Become familiar with a variety of character traits as demonstrated by various Hall of Famers.
  • Be encouraged to think before they act, set goals, and make good decisions.
  • Develop their critical thinking and decision making skills.
  • Gain a better understanding of the needs of their community, and experience a class-initiated community service project.

If you have good sportsmanship, if you have good character, if you’re just a good person, it goes a long way.

Hall of Famer Andre Dawson

ROOKIE (GRADES 3-5)

LESSON 1 (PRE-VISIT): SELF-CONTROL - JACKIE ROBINSON

Students discover how Jackie Robinson demonstrated courage and self-control when he became the first African American to play in the modern major leagues. They will also identify ways they can handle situations where self-control is difficult.

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LESSON 2 (PRE-VISIT): SERVICE - ROBERTO CLEMENTE

Students learn about Roberto Clemente, who remains an inspirational figure for his loyalty, generosity, and service. 

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LESSON 3 (PRE-VISIT): PERSEVERANCE - CAL RIPKEN, JR.

Students will read an autobiographical story by Cal Ripken, Jr. and understand the importance of perseverance and goal setting. 

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LESSON 4: ON-SITE VISIT OR VIDEO CONFERENCE

Students will work with museum teachers to reinforce concepts and ideas introduced in the classroom.

Book your:

 Field Trip 

or Video Conference

 

LESSON 5 (POST-VISIT): TERRIFIC TRAITS

Students will review many of the character traits discussed during this unit.

Download Full Lesson Plan

INTERMEDIATE (GRADES 6-8)

LESSON 1 (PRE-VISIT): COURAGE - JACKIE ROBINSON

Students compare and contrast the portrayal of Jackie Robinson in a non-fiction book and in a documentary film. 

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LESSON 2 (PRE-VISIT): SERVICE - ROBERTO CLEMENTE

Students are introduced to Roberto Clemente, who remains an inspirational figure for his generosity, and service. Students research modern winners of the Roberto Clemente Award. 

Download Full Lesson Plan

 

LESSON 3 (PRE-VISIT): INTEGRITY

Students will discuss integrity and identify role models for this important character trait. 

Download Full Lesson Plan

 

LESSON 4: ON-SITE VISIT OR VIDEO CONFERENCE

Students will work with museum teachers to reinforce concepts and ideas introduced in the classroom.

Book your: 

Field Trip 

or Video Conference

 

LESSON 5 (POST-VISIT): TEACHING TRAITS TO OTHERS

Students will review many of the character traits covered during this unit. 

Download Full Lesson Plan

EXPLORE OUR CURRICULUM

The Museum currently offers 15 baseball-themed curriculum components that provide interactive and meaningful learning engagement.

PLAN A VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP

The next best thing to visiting the National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum is participating in a Virtual Field Trip. The Museum's award winning programs bring the wonders of Cooperstown to the classroom.

PLAN A FIELD TRIP

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum proudly presents fun-filled, content rich experiences for students from grades 3 to 12. Our field trips are all aligned with National Learning Standards. 

EXPLORE OUR CURRICULUM

The Museum currently offers 15 baseball-themed curriculum components that provide interactive and meaningful learning engagement.

PLAN A VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP

The next best thing to visiting the National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum is participating in a Virtual Field Trip. The Museum's award winning programs bring the wonders of Cooperstown to the classroom.

PLAN A FIELD TRIP

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum proudly presents fun-filled, content rich experiences for students from grades 3 to 12. Our field trips are all aligned with National Learning Standards.