Learning to Give, Curriculum Division of The LEAGUE
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Unit Overview:
Students learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior and his work. Through literature, students explore MLK’s nonviolent approach to problem solving. Students identify the philanthropic nature of MLK’s work. Literature, songs and personal experiences help the students recognize the injustice of discrimination and embrace the values of fairness and equality. Students look for ways they can personally work for fairness and the common good in order to help bring the dream to reality.
Unit Purpose:
In this unit students learn about the life and actions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the name of civil rights. Students define philanthropy and give examples of how Dr. King was a philanthropist. The students experience a simulation of unequal treatment and discuss fairness. Children reflect on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream and personalize a way to act out his dream. Students analyze the importance of physical characteristics and characteristics of character.
- Why is it important to treat all people fairly?
- In what ways can we carry on MLK’s dream?
Unit Objectives:
The learner will:
- define philanthropy as the giving or sharing of time, talent or treasure for the common good.
- write about one philanthropic action in the life of Dr. King.
- listen and respond to Martin’s Big Words (see Bibliographical Reference).
- create a cloud with a dream for the world written on it.
- write a journal reflection on ways to treat others fairly.
- compare and contrast the ways that people are different and alike.
- create and display a classroom collection of artwork illustrating the many different shades of skin color in our world.
- explain how Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream can become a reality in our classroom, family and community through commitment to the common good.
- compare and contrast him/herself with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- brainstorm ways to carry on Dr. King’s good work.
- create and share a book of what students can do for the common good.
Service Experience:
In Lesson Four: Binding Us Together – Students share a class book with another class. Their goal is to spread the message that working for the common good binds the students together and extends the good work of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Unit Assessment:
- Lesson One: The Man, The Dream – Journal entry rubric: for a total of three points, journal entries should portray an event accurately, the event should be an example of philanthropy, and the entry should be expressed in a complete thought (sentence).
- Lesson Two: Reaching for the Clouds for Equality – Journal entries are assessed for concept formation and complete sentences.
- Lesson Three: The Many Shades of Our World – Assess the quality of the poem, story or journal entry with the following rubric:
3 Points: The child clearly organized and expressed the idea in one or more sentences that diversity has a positive influence on society. The sentences should express through examples why diversity enriches our lives in many ways.
2 Points: The child writes that it is important to have diversity, but the ideas are not organized well or do not support the concept.
1 Point: The child gives examples of diversity, but does not express a point of view or make a statement.
0 Points: The child does not complete the assignment or does not conclude that diversity has a positive impact on our world.
- Unit assessment will be based on teacher observations of student participation in all the lessons, discussions and activities.
School/Home Connection:
"Copy-and-Paste" Class/School Newsletter Information Insert:
What a great model of philanthropy we have in Martin Luther King, Jr! His actions teach us the importance of working together in constructive ways to improve the quality of the world for all. Our students, through literature, song and writing, will learn about the dreams of Martin Luther King, Jr. Our goal is to recognize that we can all continue to work for the dream of fairness, equality and working for the common good. Think about your own dreams for the world. Do they include living peacefully with others, being treated fairly, being judged for your actions and character? What do you hope to contribute to the common good? With Martin Luther King, Jr. as our role model, we will each set a goal for doing something for the common good.
Interactive Parent / Student Homework:
- Students discuss with their families their personal heritage, the value of diversity and the family’s goals for the common good.
- In Lesson Three: The Many Shades of Our World, students bring home their writing for final editing and writing on a final-copy paper.
Notes for Teaching:
- Consult various sources regarding the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for knowledge of the subject matter.
- Material should be adapted to fit the level of your class.
- Some lessons may benefit from parent volunteers.
- Arrange to present in front of another class in Lesson Four: Binding Us Together.
State Curriculum and Philanthropy Theme Frameworks:
See individual lessons for benchmark detail.
Lessons Developed and Piloted By:
Carrie Thomas
Pre-service Teacher
Grand Valley State University
Courtney Dangel
Mona Shores Public Schools
Lincoln Park Elementary
2951 Leon Street
Muskegon, MI 49441
Kristen Fricke
Mona Shores Public Schools
Ross Park Elementary
121 Randall Road
Muskegon, MI 49441
Lynda Thatcher
Grand Rapids Public Schools
C.A. Frost Elementary
1460 Laughlin Dr., NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
All rights reserved. Permission is granted to freely use this information for nonprofit (noncommercial), educational purposes only. Copyright must be acknowledged on all copies.