English

Oral Language 6.1, 6.2, 7.1, 7.2, 8.1, 8.2

Reading/Literature 6.5, 7.6, 7.7, 8.6

Writing 6.6, 6.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.7, 8.8

What Does It Take?

The purpose of this activity is to encourage students to analyze the characteristics of an effective leader by identifying and describing the qualities and traits exhibited by different leaders.

Steps To Complete the Activity

Have students

• First read and explore case studies or descriptions of the duties of various leaders. Invite parents, older siblings, or community leaders to visit the class and share experiences about a day in their lives as, for example, a mayor, a store owner, a team captain, a warden, a school teacher, or any other position that requires leadership.
• Break into small groups. Pick one of the leaders from the previous step and come to a consensus about the characteristics and traits needed by this leader to be effective.
• Interview this leader more thoroughly, and discover the sacrifices, risk, and rewards of the job.
• Present their research to the class in an informal presentation.
• Make a list of the characteristics and traits leaders have in common.

Instructional Materials and Resources

Students will need a computer lab or classroom computer with access to the Internet. Students may also use their textbooks and the school and local libraries.