Activity Overview
Theme: Storytelling – New Mexico’s Contribution
Grade Band: Elementary (Upper Grades 3–5)
In this activity, students explore storytelling through the lens of local heroes — individuals who make meaningful contributions to their community. Students research, write, and share short profiles celebrating these heroes, connecting classroom learning to real people who represent courage, creativity, and community care. This project encourages local inquiry and pride in New Mexico’s people and places. It introduces students to oral history and the importance of listening, asking questions, and sharing stories that shape our collective memory.
Time Required
2–3 class sessions
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Identify and describe the actions and values that make someone a local hero.
- Conduct basic research or short interviews using oral history techniques.
- Create a written or visual profile to share their hero’s story.
- Recognize that history is shaped by many people, not just national figures.
Essential Questions
- Who are the heroes in our community, and what do they do?
- How can storytelling help us honor their contributions?
- What makes someone a hero?
- How do everyday people make history?
How to Implement
- Identify potential local heroes: veterans, indigenous leaders, cultural figures, community organizers, scientists, first responders, founders of local institutions, or athletes.
- Research what made this person a hero and what qualities they share.
- If possible, meet or interview your hero (or someone who knew them).
- Collect newspaper articles, images, or quotes related to your hero.
- Compile the information into a Local Hero Profile and share it through a class bulletin board, collage, or school display.
Inspired Conversation Topics
- What makes someone brave or kind?
- How do community helpers keep our neighborhoods strong?
- Why is it important to remember people from the past?
- How can storytelling bring people together?
Connection to Statewide Theme
This activity aligns with the NM250 Storytelling: New Mexico’s Contribution initiative, celebrating the power of storytelling to honor community voices. Teachers may connect this project to a schoolwide Storytelling Assembly or the #MyNMStory campaign to share local hero stories statewide.
Learn more:
Teacher Tip
- Encourage students to ask permission before recording or writing someone’s story.
- Model how to listen carefully and take respectful notes during interviews.
- Remind students that heroes can be family members, neighbors, or community helpers, not just famous people.
- Create a supportive environment where every story and voice is valued.
Educator Resources & Links
Book List
- Harvesting Hope: The Story of César Chávez by Kathleen Krull K-3
- Dolores Huerta: A Hero to Migrant Workers by Sarah Warren, grades 1-4
- Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan grades 4-7
- The Hero Next Door edited by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, grades 3-7
- Lasting Echoes: An Oral History of Native American People
- Voices from the Fields: Children of Migrant Farmworkers Tell Their Out of the Mouths of Slaves: African-American Oral History
- Stories by S. Beth Atkin, grades 4-8
- Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, grades 5-12
- Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan grades 4-7
Optional Family Extension Activity
Invite families to share stories about people who have helped their community — a teacher, nurse, coach, or elder. Encourage students to bring in a short note or drawing about their family’s hero and display it on the class “Wall of Heroes.”
Teacher Note
These resources support the NM250 Storytelling: New Mexico’s Contribution initiative, encouraging classrooms to explore New Mexico’s community stories and celebrate everyday heroes through writing, art, and conversation.