A Hero All Day Long

My work as Artist-in-Residence for Albemarle County Schools  found me the last 3 mornings with a group of first graders at Scottsville Elementary.   They were studying Famous Americans and I taught them about the contributions of Pete Seeger, Harriet Tubman, Woody Guthrie, Odetta and Amelia Earhart. From  Pete Seeger's song, "If I had a Hammer," we talked about Justice.  Harriet Tubman inspired a conversation about ways that we could also be a hero everyday. Woody's song, "This Land is Your Land" taught us how everyone is important --no matter what color your skin is or what kind of job you do or where you live and your way of life.  Odetta's song, "Oh Freedom" brought up the issue of freedom and liberty which are reasons people came to America. 

The kids are very smart and fun to work with. Today we made projects for how to make the world a better place.  One group wrote poems, another did artwork and my group wrote a song.  I had the kids tell me ways they could be a hero every day and so this song is what we wrote together. It is to the tune of "This Land is Your Land."

"Chorus:

I am a hero, I do good deeds

From picking trash up, to planting trees

From raising money to singing songs

I am a hero all day long

I’ll teach you swimming and to feel happy

When you are sad and need a friend

I’ll keep you safe when you are scared

I am a hero all day long

I’ll help you cross the street

I’ll play with you all day long

Take care of nature and all my friends

I am a hero all day long"

A great experience and fun time for all.