Walt Disney: A Man Who Dreamed and Achieved

Disney World, a magical place that is enjoyed by millions of families across America every year. A place were young children run to their favorite Disney character in hopes of touching what they had only once imagined. A magical place were dreams come true. But, why is Disney World called Disney World?

I asked my sixth grade students that not too long ago as I was researching different achievers to study. I was a bit taken back that not a single student knew who Walt Disney was or that the famous theme park, movie industry, or story books were named after this tremendous innovator. Therefore, tomorrow my class will be exploring the life and achievements of Walt Disney. Hopefully, the study will give them a deeper appreciation of Disney's passion for creativity.


First, we will read the following article, and annotate.

Walt Disney: Ruler Of The Magic Kingdom

Monday, Dec. 07, 1998

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,989778,00.html

Next, we will have a guided discussion, focusing on the three P's we have studied: passion, planning, and perseverance. What was his passion, how did he plan so that his passion could be realized, and finally how did he persevere passed the obstacles?

The following are various clips that can be used in furthering the discussion.

 

 

Finally, the students will write about what they learned from Disney's experience and how that has changed their perception of the Disney company.

~All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.
                                                                                                                                         Walt Disney