Based on numerous teacher inquiries and requests, Learning to Give offers tailored lessons that elementary, middle, and high school educators can immediately use to explain Hurricane Katrina’s devastating impact, and immediately engage their students to take much needed “action for the common good.”
The Learning to Give lessons below will link children with our nationwide, grass-roots initiative to form a thoughtful and effective response in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, as well as highlighting available information and resources.
Hurricane Katrina Lessons
Note to Educators: The following Hurricane Katrina lessons span grades K-5 and 6-12. Teachers may adapt the instructional procedures and lesson activities to the skill levels and ages of their specific students.
Elementary
Hurricane Katrina Relief—You Can Count On Me (K-2)
Hurricane Katrina Relief—You Can Count On Me (3-5)
LESSON PURPOSE: Introduces learners to opportunities to respond to a natural disaster, specifically to the problems created by Hurricane Katrina. The lesson will introduce vocabulary terms spend, save and donate. The students will learn the definition of philanthropy (giving time, talent and treasure, and taking action for the common good) as well as explore reasons why people choose to donate. As a class, they will discuss and sing the song “What is a Philanthropist?”
Middle and Secondary
Hurricane Katrina Relief—Power, Generosity and Leadership! (6-8)
Hurricane Katrina Relief—Power, Generosity and Leadership! (9-12)
LESSON PURPOSE: Learners will research problems caused by Hurricane Katrina and cite examples of aid provided in an effort to help those devastated populations. They will investigate the role of the four economic sectors in responding to the needs. They will participate in a collection campaign and learn about organizations to which they can contribute their philanthropy.
Additional Resources
As you connect your children’s natural idealism and activism with this monumental relief effort, please access other helpful Learning to Give resources and materials that empower young people to make a difference in their schools, their communities and their world:
- Learning to Give Lesson Search Engine
(search on Key Words such as Disaster: Natural; Needs; Needs Assessment; Wants/Needs; Global Community; Global Issues) - Briefing Papers on Concepts, People and Organizations connected with philanthropy
- Quotation Search Engine (search on Subjects such as Contribution, Giving, Helping, Service, Community and Interdependence or the Major Category of Philanthropy)