Learning to Give, Philanthropy education resources that teach giving and civic engagement
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Unit Overview:
The purpose of this unit is to introduce learners to the concept of philanthropy in a historical and personal way. Learners will investigate the rich history of philanthropy in America and then discover philanthropists in their own community. They will interview these individuals and inform their peers by writing about them for the school newspaper. Learners will use their knowledge of newspaper article writing to improve their writing practice through writing drafts and peer editing.
Unit Purpose:
Learners will explore the essential question "What is a Philanthropist?" and use what they’ve learned to not only become philanthropists themselves, but to highlight philanthropists in their community by writing a newspaper article to be published in a local, school or class paper.
Unit Objectives:
The learner will:
- define "philanthropy.."
- describe the positive effect of philanthropy on community life in America.
- identify and research philanthropists from the past and present.
- describe how foundations are a source of philanthropy.
- describe how "random acts of kindness" are a form of philanthropy.
- identify qualities that define a philanthropist and match them with local citizens who are contributing to the common good.
- describe the structure of a newspaper article.
- produce and publish a newspaper article highlighting a philanthropist from the community.
Service Experience:
- Without revealing their identity or expecting a reward, learners will plan and execute a random act of kindness.
- To recognize a philanthropist from the community, learners will write a newspaper article to be printed in a local community newspaper and orally present their article to their peers.
Unit Assessment:
Students will be evaluated on the newspaper article that they write according to the given rubric. They will also be evaluated on the reflection they write regarding their new experiences with and knowledge of philanthropy.
School/Home Connection:
Interactive Parent / Student Homework:
- In Lesson Two - Philanthropists: Past, Present, Future, learners will discuss with their parents/guardians the homework assignment, Philanthropic Acts of Kindness (Attachment Three), regarding a philanthropic random act of kindness.
- In Lesson Three, students will discuss Attachment One: Qualities of a Philanthropist Rubric with their family’s and ask for their suggestions in choosing a local philanthropist.
Notes for Teaching:
The lessons in this unit require students to do some of the work out of class. The unit will take longer if students do all of their work in class.
State Curriculum and Philanthropy Theme Frameworks:
See individual lessons for benchmark detail.
Lessons Developed By:
Charlotte Aronson
Wayne-Westland Community Schools
Wayne Memorial High School
3001 Fourth St.
Wayne, MI 48184
Karen Kirk
Shelby Public Schools
Shelby High School
641 N. State St.
Shelby, MI 49455
Lisa Cebelak
Thornapple Kellogg Schools
Thornapple Kellogg High School
10051 Green Lake Rd
Middleville, MI 49010
Timothy Taylor
Oak Hills Public Schools
Oak Hills High School
3200 Ebenezer Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45248
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