NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
Each year, only about one out of every four hikers who set out to complete the Appalachian Trail reaches that goal. A thru-hike means traversing nearly 2,200 miles, across 14 states, in a single 12-month period. It's a monumental feat of physical and emotional endurance. Betty Kellenberger, an 80-year-old retired school teacher from Michigan, shares her story of completing the hike.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Where is the Appalachian Trail located? (see map)
- Who is Kelly Kellenberger?
- What is a "thru-hike" on the Appalachian trail?
- How did age play a factor in Kellenberger's decision to hike the Appalachian Trail?
- What challenges did Kellenberger face while hiking the Appalachian Trail?
ESSENTIAL QUESTION
What do you think Kelly Kellenberger meant at the end of the piece when she said, "...we were made for movement. We were made to think."? Can you think of an example in your own life where this was the case?
Media literacy: How important is it for news outlets to produce uplifting or "good news" stories?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Share in real life: Talk with a relative, neighbor or classmate about a time he/she overcame an obstacle or challenge in their lives. Ask them to share details about their journey and how they accomplished it. Did someone help them along the way? Optional: Draw a picture of their story and give it to them as a gift. It can be abstract — a type of art that expresses emotion or how the story made you feel and not a literal depiction.
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