Lesson Plan - History Makers: Jim Thorpe

Watch a Slideshow: Jim Thorpe
Discuss: What are some of the challenges that Jim Thorpe faced? How did he overcome them? 

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know. 

• citizen
• excelled

Set a Purpose for Reading
The introduction says that Thorpe’s path to victory wasn’t easy. Have students read on to learn why.

1. What is the meaning of Jim Thorpe’s Native American name? Do you think the name matches the way Thorpe lived his life? Explain.
Sample response: Thorpe’s Native American name, Wa-Tho-Huk, means “bright path.” Thorpe created a bright path in life by achieving great things in sports.
^{RI.3.1 Text Evidence}

2. What is the section “A Difficult Start” mainly about? 
This section is about Thorpe’s childhood. It was difficult because he lost his brother, mother, and father. He also went to a school where he wasn’t allowed to honor his Native culture.
^{RI.3.2 Main Idea and Details}

3. What did Thorpe’s grandson mean when he said “there was no stopping” Thorpe?
Thorpe’s grandson meant that no matter what challenges Thorpe experienced, he kept working hard and winning. 
^{RI.3.4 Determine Meaning}

FEATURED SKILL: Text Evidence
Use the Skill Builder “All About Jim Thorpe” to have students complete a biographical profile of Thorpe using details from the article. 
^{RI.3.1 Text Evidence}