Learning to Give, Curriculum Division of The LEAGUE
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Unit Overview:
Unit Purpose:
Unit Objectives:
The learners will:
- define poetry and identify the elements of poetry in musical lyrics, printed materials, commercials and rap songs.
- define “philanthropy” and find examples of philanthropic themes in poetry.
- identify and use the poetic conventions: rhyme, rhythm, refrain, alliteration, onomatopoeia, metaphors, similes and personification.
- write poetry based on philanthropy using poetic conventions.
- illustrate a poem with original art work or computer generated graphics.
- explain how endowments are the work of foundations.
- identify criteria for issuing a local grant and create an application form for issuing a local grant.
Service Experience:
The students will compile a collection of original class poems about philanthropy. They will present these poems to parents at a coffeehouse. They will also make a collection of greeting cards with philanthropic themes. Students will research worthwhile causes they may wish to support with the funds raised and determine criteria for giving support.
Unit Assessment:
The learner will write poems on philanthropic topics using poetic conventions.
- Lesson One: What Is Poetry and Where Can You Find It? - The homework assignment may serve as the assessment. The learners will find examples of song lyrics or poems that deal with love, giving and the common good.
- Lesson Two: The Sounds of Language - Students will write a one-verse poem about a philanthropist using poetry conventions.
- Lesson Three: Painting Pictures with Poetry - Students will write statements about philanthropy using metaphor, simile and personification.
- Lesson Four: Writing Poetry about Philanthropy - The assessment is the three-stanza poem about philanthropy with at least three poetic conventions. It will be illustrated with pertinent original artwork or computer-generated graphics.
- Lesson Five: If I Were Bill Gates...- The grant application form and criteria for giving money to a worthwhile cause will serve as the assessment.
School/Home Connection:
- “Copy-and-Paste” Class/School Newsletter Information Insert:
The learners will study poetry, especially the conventions of rhyme, rhythm, refrain, alliteration, onomatopoeia, metaphor, simile, personification and stanzas. They will use this knowledge to create their own poetry related to philanthropy (the giving of time, talent or treasure for the common good). The poetry will be illustrated, published and shared with the community. Funds raised will be used for a charity of the students’ choice.
- Interactive Parent / Student Homework
- Students will discuss with their parents a favorite poem or song lyric which is meaningful to them (see Lesson Three: Painting Pictures with Poetry).
- Students will take the final copy of their poems home to be read by an adult. They will discuss the process of writing and illustrating the poem (see Lesson Four: Connecting Poetry with Philanthropy).
- Students will discuss with their families what criteria they use (or would use) to determine what needy causes are deserving of their support (see Lesson Five: If I Were Bill Gates...).
- Students will discuss with their parents a favorite poem or song lyric which is meaningful to them (see Lesson Three: Painting Pictures with Poetry).
Notes for Teaching:
This unit provides clear content instruction in the conventions of poetry. The lessons are then tied to personal giving in the form of philanthropy.
State Curriculum and Philanthropy Theme Frameworks:
See individual lessons for benchmark detail.
Lessons Developed and Piloted By:
Pat Grimley
St. Charles Community Schools
Anna M. Thurston Middle School
893 W Walnut St
St. Charles, MI 48655
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