Erik Robinson – Facing the Lion
“Facing the Lion” is a National FFA lesson plan built around the 2021-22 National FFA Southern Region Vice President Erik Robinson’s retiring address. Students watch the video and complete a worksheet to identify challenges (“lions”) in their lives and learn how to turn pain, fear and struggle into strength, courage and wisdom. The lesson includes a bell ringer, video activity, follow-up discussion, exit ticket, and an answer key.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
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- Identify challenges in their lives.
- Describe how to turn challenges into positive outcomes.
- Time required
- 60 minutes (*Time requirements may vary based upon student understanding and class schedule.)
- Grade level
- Grades 9 and 10
- Materials
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- A copy of the "Facing the Lion" worksheet for each student
- Internet access to play the video in real time or embed it in a PowerPoint ahead of time
- Vocabulary
- 1. Strength 2. Courage 3. Wisdom
- Cross-Curricular Connections
- English/Language Arts – Students recognize and reflect on outcomes that come from certain situations, cause and effect.
- Resources/References
- Video: "Facing the Lion" | Erik Robinson 2022 Retiring Address, https://vimeo.com/779345912
- Partnership for 21st Century Skills
- Communication; Critical Thinking and Problem Solving; Global Awareness; Initiative and Self-direction; Leadership and Responsibility; Think Creatively
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
AFNR Career Ready Practices
- CRP.04Communicate clearly, effectively, and with reason. Career-ready individuals communicate thoughts, ideas and action plans with clarity, whether using written, verbal and/or visual methods.
- CRP.05Consider the environmental, social and economic impact of decisions.
- CRP.06Demonstrate creativity and innovation.
- CRP.08Utilize critical thinking to make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. Career-ready individuals readily recognize problems in the workplace, understand the nature of the problem, and devise effective plans to solve the problem.
- CRP.09Model integrity, ethical leadership and effective management.
Common Core – Speaking and Listening
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
Common Core – Writing
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.3Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
FFA Precept
- FFA.PG-JMental Growth: Embrace cognitive and intellectual development relative to reasoning, thinking and coping.
- FFA.PG-LProfessional Growth: Assume responsibility for attaining and improving upon the skills needed for career success.
- FFA.PL-AAction: Assume responsibility and take the necessary steps to achieve the desired results, no matter what the goal or task at hand.
- FFA.PL-EAwareness: Understand personal vision, mission and goals.
- FFA.PL-FContinuous Improvement: Accept responsibility for learning and personal growth.