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Squanto Helps New Arrivals—Squanto and His Philanthropic Contributions
Lesson 5:
From Unit Philanthropy and You
Purpose:
Students will explore Native American philanthropy and the Pilgrim community.
Duration:
Two to Three Forty-Five Minute Class Periods
Objectives:
The Learner will:
- discuss and consider the needs faced by Pilgrims to establish their community
- describe, in an acrostic poem, seven philanthropic values demonstrated by Squanto.
- examine the connections among community, individuals, and philanthropy.
Materials:
- Social Studies text or reference materials related to Native American giving and sharing traditions and sources related to Squanto's and other Native Americans' philanthropic attitude toward the Pilgrims
- Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims, by Clyde Robert Bulla (see Bibliographic References).
- Web sites:
http://www.plimoth.org/museum/hobbamock/wip%2Dalm5.htm
http://members.aol.com/calebj/squanto.html
(requires teacher editing for age-appropriate application with elementary students).
Instructional Procedure(s):
Anticipatory Set:
Before studying about the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth, brainstorm these questions and record student responses on the board:
- "What would it be like to be sent to the shores of an unknown land?"
- "How would you survive, gather food, find shelter?"
- "If you could have one person help you, what characteristics would you want this person to have?"
- Begin study of New England Settlements with social studies text or other instructional materials. Discuss the conditions of the community and the problems faced by the people.
- Read and discuss orally resource materials or biographies about Squanto, Massasoit, and/or Wampanoag Indians.
- Review the word "philanthropy" and how Native Americans were philanthropic. For example, Squanto helps a Pilgrim community in need of food, planting techniques, and communication with Native Americans.
- Discuss the needs the Pilgrim community would have to have to establish itself.
- Discuss the philanthropic principles Squanto demonstrated: helping, giving, and sharing of his talents and knowledge.
- Questions for further development of philanthropy.
- What is the need?
- Who has the need?
- Who is in the community?
- Who fills the need?
- What talent or treasure was given or shared?
- What goodness does the community experience from that giving or sharing?
- What is the reward for the one who shared?
- What would have happened if the needs weren't met?
- Create an Acrostic Poem with Squanto's name. Each letter in his name should describe a philanthropic characteristic (see Attachment One). Model an acrostic poem for students.
- Individually or in small groups, use a contemporary scenario for students reaction. An immigrant comes to your community, unable to speak English very well, unemployed, in temporary housing, food is scarce, and clothing is limited. As a native of this community, how could you and your classmates demonstrate a helping and giving attitude?
- On a poster divided into four panels, list or illustrate three ways you could help in Panel One. In Panel Two, use the telephone book to find two services or agencies from the nonprofit or third sector that could help, list their names, phone numbers, and the needs they could address. In Panel Three, make an acrostic poem using the student's own name with each letter related to philanthropic acts they do. Panel Four should contain a statement that describes why philanthropy is important to the community.
Assessment:
Scoring Rubric for Poster
- Teacher observation of student participation.
- Completion and quality of Squanto Acrostic Poem (see Attachment One).
Three-Point Rubric: Squanto Acrostic Poem
3 Points each letter of Squanto's name relates to his philanthropic actions or beliefs.
2 Points six of the seven letters relates to philanthropic actions.
1 Point fewer than six of the seven letters relate to philanthropic actions.
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Bibliographical References:
- Bulla, Clyde Robert. Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims. Scholastic, 1990.
Lesson Developed and Piloted by:
Christel HomrichForest Hills Public Schools
Thornapple Elementary School
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Handouts:
Handout 1Print Handout 1
Squanto Acrostic Poem
Name:Create an acrostic poem. Use each letter to describe a philanthropic action of Squanto.
For example: S howed Pilgrims how to fertilize crops.
S
Q
U
A
N
T
O
Unit Contents:
Overview:Philanthropy and You Summary
Lessons:
- 1.
- Introduction to Philanthropy—Recognizing Good Citizenship and Philanthropy in Our Community
- 2.
- Introduction to Philanthropic Beliefs of Native Americans
- 3.
- Recognizing Philanthropy in a Legend and in Modern Society-Examples of Sharing as Told Through a Native American Legend
- 4.
- Human Rights Throughout History—Philanthropy and History of Human Rights Activists
- 5.
- Squanto Helps New Arrivals—Squanto and His Philanthropic Contributions
- 6.
- Ben Franklin, The Good Citizen—Benjamin Franklin's Contributions to Philadelphia
- 7.
- I Do My Part
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Comments
My kids loved this lesson the best of all. They really enjoyed making the posters - writing down philanthropic acts they do, as well as, things they can do to help others.