Gracie Murphy – Never Give Up Dawg
This FFA lesson plan uses 2022-23 National FFA Eastern Region Vice President Gracie Murphy’s retiring address, “Never Give Up, Dawg,” to teach students about resilience and overcoming life’s battles. Students watch the video and complete a worksheet (comprehension questions, word search, and reflection prompts) exploring the characteristics of a “fighter” and the importance of perseverance.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
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- List the characteristics of being a "fighter."
- Describe how they overcome their battles.
- Understand the importance of never giving up.
- Time required
- 60 minutes
- Grade level
- Grades 9 and 10
- Materials
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- A copy of the "Never Give Up, Dawg" worksheet for each student
- Internet access to play the video in real-time or embed it in a PowerPoint ahead of time
- Vocabulary
- Authenticity, Courage, Goofiness, Grace, Honesty, Humor, Integrity, Intelligence, Kindness, Love, Passion, Perseverance, Respect, Strength, Vulnerability
- Resources/References
- Video: "Never Give Up, Dawg" | Gracie Murphy 2023 Retiring Adress, https://vimeo.com/883700590
- Related Resources
- Retiring Addresses and Keynote Speeches, FFA.org/ffa-video-center/convention-keynotes-and-retiring-addresses/
- Cross-Curricular Connections
- English/Language Arts – Identify and define vocabulary words.
- Virtual Instruction Ideas
- Have students download and watch the video on a device of their choice and complete the worksheet.
- Partnership for 21st Century Skills
- Collaboration; Communication; Initiative and Self-direction; Leadership and Responsibility; Think Creatively
Downloads & Links
Lesson plan
Worksheet
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.09Model integrity, ethical leadership and effective management.
- CRP.12Work productively in teams while using cultural/global competence.
Common Core – Language
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.6Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
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.
FFA Precept
- FFA.PG-HSocial Growth: Successfully interact with others and adapt to various social situations.
- FFA.PG-KEmotional Growth: Share and express healthy feelings and emotions.
- 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-DCharacter: Conduct oneself appropriately in relation to others regardless of the situation.
- FFA.PL-FContinuous Improvement: Accept responsibility for learning and personal growth.