Learning to Give, Philanthropy education resources that teach giving and civic engagement
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Purpose:
Duration:
One Forty-Five Minute Class Period
Objectives:
The learner will:
- define "talent."
- explain how a talent can be used to help others.
- illustrate his/her own special gift or talent.
Materials:
- The Legend of Indian Paintbrush by Tomie dePaola (see Bibliographic References)
- Drawing paper
- Pencils, crayons or markers
- Philanthropy: Using Our Talents for the Common Good (Attachment One)
Instructional Procedure(s):
Anticipatory Set:
Write the word "talent" on the board. Ask the students what it means (the gift or special ability of a person). Ask the students what "gift" means (the talent or special ability of a person). Explain that the word "gift" can sometimes be another word for talent.
- Introduce The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush. Tell the class that the story is about a Native American boy, Little Gopher, who has a special "gift" or "talent" that he shares with his "People." Explain that it is often the custom of Native Americans to refer to themselves as "the People" as they will hear in this story.
- Set a listening purpose. Have children listen to find out how the boy shares his special "gift" or "talent" with his people.
- Read the story to the students. During the story, stop and check for understanding of "path," "Dream-Vision," "shaman" and "longed."
- Lead a discussion of the following questions:
- How was the boy different from the other children?
- What did the shaman tell the boy?
- What did Little Gopher learn in his Dream-Vision?
- What did the pictures that he painted do for his people?
- Why was Little Gopher unhappy with his colors?
- What did Little Gopher do to try harder?
- What was his special gift to his people?
- Conclude that we all have talents that we can share and use to help others. When we give or share our time, talent, or treasure for others (for the common good) this is known as "philanthropy." Ask each student to think of a special talent he or she has. Allow students to share these with the class.
- Ask each student to draw a picture and to write a sentence that explains his or her special talent and how it can be used to help others.
Assessment:
- Teacher observation of student participation in the discussions.
- Grade project according to scoring guide which follows:
| Points | Scoring Rubric: |
| 4 | One picture that shows a special talent being used to help others, and one sentence that states a special talent and how it is used to help others. |
| 3 | One picture that shows a special talent being used to help others, and one sentence that states a special talent but does not explain how it is used to help others. |
| 2 | One picture that shows a special talent being used to help others, but no sentence. |
| 2 | One sentence that states a special talent and how it is used to help others, but no picture. |
| 1 | One sentence that states a special talent but does not include how it is used to help others, and no picture. |
| 1 | One picture that shows a special talent, but not how it is used to help others and no sentence. |
| 0 | No picture and no sentence. |
School/Home Connection:
Students could be asked to discuss their own talents with their families. They can think of ways that their talents could be used to help others in their family. This could be sent home in the form of a letter. See Philanthropy: Using Our Talents for the Common Good (Attachment One).
Cross-Curriculum Extensions:
Students can read another story which reinforces the ideas in this lesson.
Bibliographical References:
dePaola, Tomie. The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 1996. ISBN: 0698113608
Lesson Developed By:
Mary PetroAlbion Public Schools
Harrington Elementary
Albion, Michigan
Handouts:
Handout 1Print Handout 1
Philanthropy: Using Our Talents for the Common Good
Name: Date:
Dear: ,
We have been learning about our talents and how they can be used to help our class for the common good (philanthropy). In this activity you will have the opportunity to help me think about the talents I have and how they can be used in our family. I will complete Part One by myself and then we will work together on Part Two. I hope you enjoy doing this assignment with me. It is due .
Sincerely,
Student's Signature
Objectives:
The learner will:
- develop a list of personal talents.
- analyze the use of these talents for the family's common good.
Part One: Things I Do Well
Directions: Make a list of all your talents, or things that you do well. Put a check next to the one of which you are most proud.
1. _____________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________
4. _____________________________________________________________
5. _____________________________________________________________Part Two: Discussion
Directions: Ask your parents to read your list and add any more talents they think you have. Then read each talent and ask your parents to help you decide how that talent might be used to help the family. Write that on these lines.
1. _____________________________________________________________
2. _____________________________________________________________
3. _____________________________________________________________
4. _____________________________________________________________
5. _____________________________________________________________
Adult Signature __________________________________________
Response Activity:
Directions: Draw a picture of your family. Include yourself in the picture using one of your talents. Be ready to share your picture with the class, explaining what you are doing in the picture to help your family.
******************************************************************************
School-Home Communication
Dear Parent or Guardian:
Please let me know if this homework was helpful to you and your child by writing YES or NO before each statement.
_____ My child understood the homework and was able to discuss it.
_____ My child enjoyed the activity.
_____ I enjoyed the activity.
_____ This activity helped me understand what my child is learning in school about philanthropy.
Your additional comments are always welcomed!
Sincerely,
Teacher's Signature
Unit Contents:
Overview:Using Our Talents for the Common Good Summary
Lessons:
- 1.
- What Are Our Talents?
- 2.
- How Can Our Talents Be Used Together?
- 3.
- Who Can We Help?
- 4.
- What Is a Foundation?
- 5.
- Service Project
All rights reserved. Permission is granted to freely use this information for nonprofit (noncommercial), educational purposes only. Copyright must be acknowledged on all copies.
