Metaphorical Expression Lesson

Jackie Robinson

Subject:
Grade:
Duration:
Author:

Social Studies
2nd
45 minutes
Karen Klein

Content Area Standard

SS2H1 The student will read about and describe the lives of historical figures in Georgia history.
SS2CG3 The student will give examples of how the historical figures under study demonstrate the positive
citizenship traits of honesty, dependability, liberty, trustworthiness, honor, civility, good sportsmanship,
patience, and compassion.
TAG Standard
Creative Thinking & Creative Problem Solving Skills
7. The student uses analogies, metaphors, and/or models to explain complex concepts.
Summary/Overview: The focus of this lesson is to give students the opportunity to develop new insights on
Jackie Robinson and his positive character traits as a Civil Rights Leader.
Suggested Vocabulary

metaphor
traits

compassion

civil rights

sportsmanship

courage

patience

segregation
integration

nonviolent protest

Essential Question: How can I use metaphors to better understand Jackie Robinson as a hero for Civil Rights?
Procedure
Phase 1: Hook
1.

View video on Jackie Robinson: www.history.com/.../videos/jackie-robinson

Phase 2: Examine the Content

2. Read and discuss Jackie Robinson big book from social studies series (first few chapters read in previous
days-finish book)
3. Have students brainstorm in small groups some of Jackie Robinsons character traits
Phase 3: Metaphors
Review metaphors with students
-Ask students if they ever heard the expression: Your room is a pigsty! Or My dad is a bear in the
morning!
What does that mean?
-Read parts of book: Skin Like Milk, Hair of Silk by Brian Cleary
(allow students to share metaphors they are familiar with)
5. I am going to give you some items to compare to Jackie Robinson and I want you to think of why he might
be like these items.
4.

Phase 4: Synthesis Activity-Students will be put in groups of 4 (mixed levels)

-Papers comparing Jackie Robinson to a cheetah, dove, rock, torch, and teacher are placed on tables (one on
each table).
-Student groups rotate from table to table. They should discuss and write down why they think Robinson might
be compared to what is on each paper. They are encouraged to read what is already written and think of
something new. They should spend only a few minutes at each table.
*Remind them there are no wrong answers, but they must be appropriate.
Summarizing Activity/Informal Assessment- Share some of the comparisons. Ask, which was the hardest
to compare? Which was the easiest? Why?
-Ask students to come up with their own metaphor for Jackie Robinson have classmates guess why the student
chose that metaphor.
Resource(s)
Anchor Text: Social Studies American Heroes big book Jackie Robinson.
Technology: video clip www.history.com/.../videos/jackie-robinson
Book: Skin Like Milk Hair of Silk by Brian Cleary
Papers: Jackie Robinson is a _________ because:
Reflection:
I thought this was one of the most difficult strategies to create. I wanted to teach about Jackie Robinsons
character traits and contributions to the Civil Rights movement, but had difficulty coming up with metaphors
for him that the students could relate to. I teach social studies to two classes. I was pleasantly surprised by my
afternoon class. They were able to make metaphorical comparisons and connections between Jackie Robinson
and certain things. It was also fun to see students come up with their own metaphor about Robinson and
explain why.
Now that Ive worked through this lesson and students are feeling more confident about metaphors, I will
definitely use it again to teach about historical figures. I will also give it a try with science concepts such as the
phases of matter and energy.