Pyramid of Greatness Museum Walk

Context
Our first unit, which is ends on Friday, explores the notion of chasing success. Through the essay
Marita's Bargain, we learned about the relationship between hard work and success. Annie John from
Walk to the Jetty showed us that we sometimes must leave the safety and comfort of our parent's home
in order to pursue success on our own terms. Captain Keeney, the surly character from the play Ile,
showed us that some people will readily sacrifice their social (or familial) relationships in order achieve
personal success. Kewauna's Ambition, our workbook reading, outlined strategies that we may use in
order to overcome challenges in school. Throughout the course of these texts we have focused upon
character actions that lead to success.
Today, we are going to critically think about the personal qualities that these actions demonstrate by
constructing a Pyramid of Greatness.
Activity Small Group Illustration
A pyramid of greatness is a graphic organizer that contains the various qualities that successful people
possess, arranged into different levels based upon importance.
List of block qualities
alertness be observing constantly
competitive greatness be at your best when your best is needed
condition rest, exercise, and diet must be considered
confidence respect without fear
cooperation be interested in finding the best way, not in having your own way
enthusiasm you must truly enjoy what you do
friendship comes with mutual respect and devotion
industriousness there is no substitute for hard work
initiative make decisions and think alone
intentness set a realistic goal and concentrate on its achievement
loyalty to yourself and to all those depending on you
poise being at ease in any situation and never fighting yourself
self-control good judgment and common sense
skill - the knowledge and the ability to execute the fundamentals
team spirit a genuine consideration of others and willingness to sacrifice personal interest for team
In small group, rank each of the above qualities on a scale of 1 (least essential to success) to 5 (most
essential to success) then arrange the qualities into a pyramid. A template / model may be found on the
back of this paper

Hofsess & Lorber October 2014

Pyramid of Greatness Museum Walk

As the levels in the pyramid rise, the essential
value of the quality (in relation to success)
decreases. This is because the pyramid must
have a strong foundation and all structures get
weaker as it rises.
Each group will need:

5 qualities ranked at a 5
4 qualities ranked at a 4
3 qualities ranked at a 3
2 qualities ranked at a 2
1 quality ranked at a 1

In your small groups, your pyramid of greatness will be drawn on a large piece of sketch pad paper,
using high lighters or markers.
*Note: on your group's drawing, the number in the middle of the block (as seen in the model) will be
replaced by the name of the quality*
At the end of this class period, each group will display their Pyramid of Greatness in the front of the
classroom and we will do a gallery walk. This means that you will silently walk up and look at other
group's drawings. Make note of differences and similarities between other Pyramids of Greatness and
your own.
In the space below (or a separate sheet of paper), write a paragraph that explains your Pyramid of
Success. What qualities did your group think are most essential to success? Are there any similarities or
differences between your Pyramid of Success and other groups'?

Hofsess & Lorber October 2014