Learning to Give, Curriculum Division of The LEAGUE
The LEAGUE
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Unit Overview:
Unit Purpose:
Students will identify “senior citizens” in history who are considered heroes. They will compare/contrast these heroes with heroes in their own community and lives. Students will describe the work of foundations and report on the work of local foundations. The learners will explore the idea that every individual can be a hero and contribute to the common good of the community.
Unit Objectives:
The learners will:
- define and give examples of the common good as a core democratic value.
- identify and describe characteristics of local heroes who contribute to the common good.
- list actions that local heroes have taken for the common good and describe the impact of those actions.
- compare and contrast the purposes and profit motive of for profit and nonprofit businesses.
- explain why foundations are created and describe the kind of work they do.
- publish and share a culminating project entitled The Power of One: Making a Difference for the Common Good.
Service Experience:
- Interview senior citizens and perform a voluntary service for them.
- Students will share their information on foundation “heroes” with other classrooms through a library or hall display.
- Students will share their information on “heroes” in their own backyards with other classrooms through a booklet and short oral presentations.
Unit Assessment:
- Articles written about visitors for “Foundations Day” may be used as an assessment. (Lesson Three: The Unsung Heroes)
- Students will compile their work and publish it in a volume entitled, “The Power of One: Making a Difference for the Common Good.” (Lesson Four: Spreading the Good Word)
School/Home Connection:
- Interactive Parent / Student Homework:
Students will interview parents about what they feel constitutes an everyday hero. (Lesson One: Heroes Here and There)
Students will interview and write a biography of a senior citizen of their acquaintance and offer to do a small service for them. (Lesson Two: Super Seniors)
Information will be sent home to parents explaining the lessons. A parent permission letter to use students’ pictures in a final publication is included. (Lesson Three: The Unsung Heroes)
Notes for Teaching:
Inform the Senior Center director about the kinds of interviews students will be conducting and the kinds of services students will be expected to perform for seniors.
State Curriculum and Philanthropy Theme Frameworks:
See individual lessons for benchmark detail.
Lessons Developed and Piloted By:
Jacquinne Reynolds
Beecher School District
Summit School
1020 Coldwater Rd W
Flint, MI 48505
Michael Vasich
Airport Community Schools
Wagar Middle School
11270 Grafton Rd.
Carleton, MI 48117
Mimi Petritz Appel
Albion Public Schools
Albion Open School
401 E Michigan Ave
Albion, MI 49224
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