Character Education: The Iron Horse

Unit Overview

"Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is."
-Bob Feller

The Baseball Hall of Fame honors players not only for their accomplishments in the game, but also for the character and courage that they display both on and off the field. In this thematic unit focused on character education, attributes such as perseverance, courage, humility, grace, selflessness, respect, self-discipline, leadership, sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty and citizenship are highlighted by the lives and careers of Hall of Famers Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, Cal Ripken, Jr., and Lou Gehrig.

About The Curriculum

All of the lessons and activities that you will find below have been prepared to accompany Character Education. This thematic unit is appropriate for elementary and middle school students. High school instructors interested in this topic are encouraged to refer to the thematic unit Leadership: Leading Off.

You will find that the curriculum is organized into two levels: Level 1 for elementary school students and Level 2 for middle school students. Feel free to pick and choose lessons from multiple levels if you feel that your students are ready for a challenge or would benefit from a review.

Within each level you will find both pre-visit lessons and post-visit lessons. We strongly encourage you to use these materials before your visit or videoconference. We've found that students understand and learn so much more if they are prepared before their Hall of Fame experience.

Click on the links to view Adobe Acrobat documents, which you can easily print or save for later use.

Level 1 - Rookie
Elementary Level Overview & Table of Contents
Lesson 1 (Pre-Visit) Self-Control - Jackie Robinson
Lesson 2 (Pre-Visit) Service - Roberto Clemente
Lesson 3 (Pre-Visit) Perseverance - Cal Ripken, Jr.
Lesson 4 (On-Site Visit - or - Videoconference) Lou Gehrig: The Iron Horse
Lesson 5 (Post-Visit) Terrific Traits

Level 2 - Intermediate
Intermediate Level Overview & Table of Contents
Lesson 1 (Pre-Visit) Courage - Jackie Robinson
Lesson 2 (Pre-Visit) Service - Roberto Clemente
Lesson 3 (Pre-Visit) Integrity
Lesson 4 (On-Site Visit - or - Videoconference) Lou Gehrig: The Iron Horse
Lesson 5 (Post-Visit) Teaching Traits to Others 

Recommended Reading

On the Recommended Reading list below, you'll find resources that were compiled to aid parents, teachers, and students in learning more about Character Education and Leadership.

Recommended Reading for Character Education and Leadership 

Let's Hear from You!

Have you used these lessons in your classroom? Tell us about it! We love to hear feedback from teachers. Send us an e-mail at education [at] baseballhall [dot] org.

Participating in a Videoconference?

Click here for a copy of the Character Education Videoconference checklist and other classroom materials.