Students learn about the characteristics of an effective personal narrative and compare those to a news article. They do prewriting activities and practice writing details to show rather than tell about an experience.
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Unit: Telling Our Stories of Giving
Unit: Personal Giving Mission Statement
Learners look at nonprofit mission statements and then create a personal mission statement related to the impact they want to make as responsible, engaged citizens.
Focus Question: How does an individual use personal interests and strengths to impact the common good?
Unit: Philanthropy 101 Course of The Westminster Schools
To introduce students to organizations that focus on international and global problems, rather than local or national concerns.
Note: This specific lesson involves CARE, an international organization located in Atlanta where the Philanthropy 101 course was developed. We encourage...
Unit: Generosity of Spirit Folktales
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...
Unit: Mighty Pens: Writers for Positive Change
Learners write personal narratives to document activities, insights, research, impact, and discoveries of their firsthand experience with civic engagement, service, and volunteerism. By explaining involvement in action for the common good, learners raise awareness of a social issue, the need for...
Unit: Character Education: Responsibility (Grade 8)
Through writing, learners reflect on their own plans for taking responsibility rather than leaving things to others.
Unit: Character Education: Honesty (Grade 6)
Learners may use either journaling or role-playing to reflect on the benefits to the community of truthfulness and straightforward actions. They analyze traits and actions of someone who has built a "good reputation."
Unit: Healthy Youth, Healthy Community (9-12)
Students describe elements of personal health and fitness and relate this to the health of the community, recognizing that the elements of a healthy community are good for all members. The students identify the availability of healthy foods and practices in the school, neighborhood, and home...
Unit: Character Education: Perseverance (Grade 7)
Learners discuss what it means to do their personal best. They find, through a simple physical activity, that they can do a good job in something, but they still have more talent and drive to do better if they persevere. They recognize that perseverance can help them do their personal best...
Unit: Global Peace and Local Legacies
Young people read or watch the stories of individuals (motivations, background, values) who have received the Nobel Peace Prize and analyze the importance of their actions for the common good.