MY HERO Webquest for English as a Second Language Learners
by Kristan  Taylor , Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico
(Toluca, Estado de Mexico)

Subject Area:    Other subject

Grade Level:    5-8, 9-12, college

Overview/Purpose:

Although most students are able to explore websites in their native language, it's a challenging task for English Language Learners. A Webquest is a common tool in many ESL classrooms. It is designed to walk students through the process of exploring a website in English with the purpose of preparing them for future Internet research projects.

Objectives:

The goal of this Webquest is to enable high beginning - intermediate ESL students to explore MY HERO while practicing English in a meaningful way. Students will practice reading comprehension, vocabulary, and summarizing.

Resources/Materials:

This lesson requires a hard copy of the Webquest below, which may be reformatted for style.

Activities and Procedures:

NOTE TO TEACHERS: In general, Webquests are independent projects. If this is your students' first experience with a Webquest, they may need more support. Prior to going to the computer lab, students should review the vocabulary word list.


MY HERO Webquest

Vocabulary:
Hero
Not for profit / nonprofit
Home page
Summary
Accomplishments


Part I
1. Go to www.myhero.com

2. What is the title of the featured story on the home page?

3. Click on “About” to answer questions about The MY HERO Project.

a. What is the mission of MY HERO?

b. In sentence two, which word is closest in meaning to "yearn"?

___ pretend ___learn ___desire

c. How many stories does MY HERO host?

___100s ___1,000s ___10,000s

d. What benefits do people receive from taking part (participating) in The MY HERO Project?

Part II
1. From the home page, click on “Heroes.”

2. How many different categories (types) of heroes do you see? ___________

3. "Entrepreneurs" is closest in meaning to

a. French teachers
b. businesspeople
c. doctors

4. Which categories are the most interesting to you? Choose three and complete the table below.

a. Name of category_________________
I chose this category because_______
____________________________________.

b. Name of category_________________
I chose this category because_______
____________________________________.

c. Name of category ________________
I chose this category because_______
____________________________________.

Next, you are going to read about various heroes. Click on the first category you listed in the table above. Choose three people you find interesting and write a summary about his/her major accomplishments.

1. Name___________________________________

Country of origin_________________________

Type of work __________________________________________

________________________________ is a hero because .... [summary]

2. Name___________________________________

Country of origin_________________________

Type of work __________________________________________

________________________________ is a hero because ...[summary]

3. Name___________________________________

Country of origin_________________________

Type of work __________________________________________

________________________________ is a hero because ...[summary]

Assessment:

In order to assess the main objective of the Webquest, students work in groups to discuss the summaries of their three heroes. Teacher visits each group to monitor discussion.