Generosity of Spirit Folktales

Unit of 20 Lessons
Grade Levels: 
9
10
11
12
Subjects: 
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Science
Arts Education
Issue Area: 
Kindness
Focus Question 

 What can we learn from diverse people and stories about generosity and taking action for the common good? 

 

Photo Credit:  High school students in La Ceja by World Bank Photo Collection is licensed under CC by 2.0

Unit Overview 

This unit includes access to folktales from all over the world, revealing a "generosity of spirit" that speaks the common language of "giving." Learners learn the components of a folktale, define philanthropy, and then read a variety of folktales that illustrate differences and similiarities across cultural influences.

Access to an overview and list of all the folktales is linked here: Folktale Guide: Generosity of Spirit

Service Experience 
This unit may spark service of a variety of types. Groups may choose to facilitate discussion groups about "generosity of spirit" or perform folktales to raise awareness of generosity in different cultures. Young people may organize a fundraiser for a local nonprofit related to an issue in a folktale. Families may discuss their cultural tradition of giving and make a plan of action. 
Lessons in This Unit 
Unit: 
Generosity of Spirit Folktales
Lesson 2 of 20
Grades: 
9
10
11
12

When times are hard, it is sometimes difficult to remember that the things that count are not material, and the people who make a difference in our lives are the ones we often take for granted. We read five Jewish folktales that reveal gifts of generosity in everyday events of life. Through reading and discussion, the learners discuss the folktale's message and connections to philanthropy. 

Unit: 
Generosity of Spirit Folktales
Lesson 3 of 20
Grades: 
9
10
11
12

Sometimes it is wise to follow the advice of others and at other times it will only bring disaster. This lesson examines stories from South Africa, Morocco, and Nigeria and character traits valued in those cultures.

Unit: 
Generosity of Spirit Folktales
Lesson 4 of 20
Grades: 
9
10
11
12

Native Americans, or Indigenous People, are located geographically across the entire continent of North America. There are many stereotypes of native culture, but their culture varies as much as their locations, as each group of native peoples have their own traditions. This lesson focuses on seven Native American groups and their folktales as they relate to generosity of the spirit. 

Unit: 
Generosity of Spirit Folktales
Lesson 5 of 20
Grades: 
9
10
11
12

All cultures have practices and customs regarding hospitality, or how we treat guests. In these folktales, we learn about different expectations and degrees of these customs and how travelers test the limits of hospitality and feel the effects of their host's generosity. 

Unit: 
Generosity of Spirit Folktales
Lesson 6 of 20
Grades: 
9
10
11
12

The learners explore folktales related to forgiveness. They investigate how compassion is interrelated with forgiveness, and describe challenges to real forgiveness.

Unit: 
Generosity of Spirit Folktales
Lesson 10 of 20
Grades: 
9
10
11
12

Wealth may be measured in something other than money. We may feel wealthy if we have a loving family or good health. Community wealth may be in relationships, respectful leaders, and good places to visit. 

Unit: 
Generosity of Spirit Folktales
Lesson 16 of 20
Grades: 
9
10
11
12

Sometimes you have to give up what you truly love to get what you really want. That can be a hard lesson when you have almost nothing. This lesson looks at who has the responsibility to be generous and what changes can come about because of one’s generosity. 

Unit: 
Generosity of Spirit Folktales
Lesson 17 of 20
Grades: 
9
10
11
12

When life is at its most difficult and grief is great, a generous sacrifice can move the spirit toward life again. In these folktales, two Inuits face death with a truly generous spirit.

Unit: 
Generosity of Spirit Folktales
Lesson 18 of 20
Grades: 
9
10
11
12

Learners analyze Buddhist folktales to determine their relevance to everyday life. There are times when the easiest thing one can do is leave and let others deal with a stressful situation. When one stays and works through the tough times with responsibility and respect, it can be a gift, not only for those who are also there, but for the one who makes the decision to stay. 

Unit: 
Generosity of Spirit Folktales
Lesson 20 of 20
Grades: 
9
10
11
12

There are times when a person learns that it is better not to give a generous gift at all if it will be disrespected by the receiver. There are also times a person may realize too late that there is a cost for bad behavior.