This lesson is a celebration to culminate this intergenerational project. The children make a final visit to the senior center or retirement home where all the participants gather for a snack and a farewell celebration. The children read aloud and give their published Living History Books to their senior friends. They debrief the entire project through journal entries.

This lesson introduces the "Living History Project." We begin with sensitivity training, as a pre-service reflection and to help volunteers understand possible needs, disabilities, and attitudes of people with whom they will be working. The training leads children to understand the importance of showing respect and grace for their senior friend. The unit provides guidance for the children to learn about philanthropy and to write a book about their senior friend's life. 

Participants gain awareness about the work of local nonprofit organizations through research and by interviewing representatives. They summarize the mission, needs, and impact of the organizations on the community.

Participants become familiar with philanthropy-related terms and a variety of philanthropy in the past. We consider the impact of people who contribute in large and small ways to the health of the community.

Participants analyze the essential qualities of the Core Democratic Values and how these values are evident in relationships and behavior in a classroom/group and in the community/nation.

In this lesson, we analyze the Bill of Rights and explore the importance of the issues involved. We participate in a creative performance, singing and dancing to learn and teach the Bill of Rights. The performance may be planned for members of the community (younger children or senior citizens).

Pages