Subjects:
Language Arts, Library / Technology, Philanthropy and Social Studies
Key Words/Concepts click to view
| Lesson 1 : | ELA: | Legend of the Indian Paintbrush; Constructing Meaning; Group Discussions; Listening; Reflection; Response to Text/Others; Vocabulary |
| | PHIL: | Time/Talent/Treasure |
| | SOC: | Common Good; Community; Cultures; Native Peoples |
| Lesson 2 : | ELA: | Brainstorming; Group Discussions; Journaling; Poetry; Reading; Reflection |
| | PHIL: | Caring/Sharing; Good Character; Service Plan; Values; Volunteer |
| Lesson 3 : | ELA: | Brainstorming; Letter Writing; Reflection |
| | PHIL: | Needs Assessment; Survey; Time/Talent/Treasure |
| | SOC: | Civic Responsibility/Virtue |
| Lesson 4 : | ELA: | Group Discussions; Journaling; Listening |
| | PHIL: | Foundations; Grantmaking; Need; Philanthropist |
| | SOC: | Citizenship/Civic Engagement; Common Good; Government |
| Lesson 5 : | ELA: | Poetry; Reflection |
| | PHIL: | Need; Service Project |
| | SOC: | Civic Responsibility/Virtue |
Unit Overview:
The students will be introduced to the concept of philanthropy by first exploring the definition of "talents." Though they are young, the students should be able to realize that they have talents to offer to others. The students will decide what their individual talents are and then what talents the group, as a community, has to offer. As a group they will decide how they can use these talents to help their school community or another group. The students will determine what will be needed in order to use their talents to help others. For example: many communities have a nursing home and/or a senior citizen's apartment complex. If a class wishes to go there to sing, they may need to pay for the busing; if the students decide that they wish to plant flowers in front of the school, they may need funds to pay for the plants, etc. The students will visit a foundation office or ask a representative of the foundation to visit them. (In a community that does not have a foundation, the teacher could present the necessary information.) The students will work together to write a grant proposal. They will then carry out their chosen project.
Unit Purpose:
Students will realize they have talents that can be used for the common good and that there are groups (foundations) that provide funds for the implementation of service projects. The students will write a grant request to a foundation and carry out a service project.
Unit Objectives:
The Learners will:
- define "talents" and "philanthropy."
- name a grant-making foundation.
- write a grant request.
- carry out a service project.
Service Experience:
Although lessons in this unit contain service project examples, decisions about service plans and implementation should be made by students, as age appropriate.
The students will carry out a service project. The class will determine which service project they wish to perform. They will make a decision based on the talents that they have to offer and the needs of their own particular community. It may involve going out into the local community or it may involve a need within their school.
Unit Assessment:
- Teacher observation of student involvement
- Scoring of Lesson One illustration
- Scoring guide of Lesson One journal entries
- Scoring guide of Lesson Four letters
School/Home Connection:
In Attachment One from Lesson One: What Are Our Talents? students talk to their parents about the students' talents and how they can be used for the family's common good.
Notes for Teaching:
To find foundations in your area, search through www.guidestar.org using the advanced search by zip code.
State Curriculum and Philanthropy Theme Frameworks:
See individual lessons for benchmark detail.
