Youth Make a Difference!

Youth Make a Difference!

Learning to Give equips young people of all ages with philanthropy tools and knowledge as they discover what they care about and take action with their time, talent, and treasure. 

Martin's Big Words

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Martin's Big Words

by Doreen Rappaport - A guide for parents, teachers, and group leaders to accompany the reading of this picture book. The guide below provides before, during, and after-reading discussion questions. Choose from activities and discussion questions to enhance children's understanding of Dr. King's life and the power of words.

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  • Grade Levels: 
    K
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10
    11
    12

    These lessons were designed by a high school classroom that was motivated by a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. They tried to envision a project centered on driving out hate in their community by showing love. 

  • Unit: 
    Grow Involved 3-5
    Grades 
    3
    4
    5

    Children listen and respond to a biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. They discuss the importance of kind acts and service to others. They reflect on a quotation by Dr. King and apply it to their own lives.

  • Unit: 
    Stand and Deliver for Justice and Diversity
    Grades 
    9
    10
    11
    12
    Learners explore and share their attitudes about diversity and issues of justice and kindness. The learners brainstorm ways that they can promote the common good by working to eliminate stereotyping, intolerance, discrimination, and prejudice.
  • Unit: 
    The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
    Grades 
    K
    1
    2

    The conversation centers on bringing individuals together in community, as they learned from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We each have individual strengths, and we are stronger together as we share our hopes for a world united in generosity for all.

  • Unit: 
    Character Education: Caring (Grade 6)
    Grades 
    6
    7
    8

    Learners define caring through discussion of examples and writing an acrostic.

  • Unit: 
    Generosity of Spirit Folktales
    Grades 
    9
    10
    11
    12

    As demonstrated in these folktales, even the smallest things, when shared, can be examples of philanthropy. 

  • Unit: 
    Tote Challenge
    Grades 
    K
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10
    11
    12

    Young people investigate the problems caused by plastic shopping bags, then propose solutions to address the problems. This lesson prompts teams to design a reusable shopping tote out of an old T-shirt using engineering, problem-solving, creativity, and communication.

  • Unit: 
    Deliver Gratitude Day
    Grades 
    6
    7
    8

    This lesson focuses on the meaning and benefits of gratitude. Participants give examples of what people give up (opportunity cost) when they give philanthropically.

  • Grades 
    PreK
    K
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10
    11
    12

    Young people learn about people and children who are homeless and make bedtime bags for children in shelters as their service project. 

    "I always wondered why somebody doesn't do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody."  - Lily Tomlin

  • Unit: 
    Doodle Stones
    Grades 
    K
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10
    11
    12

    Learners use words to communicate positively and build community. A service project involves writing positive messages on stones and placing them strategically to uplift and beautify.

  • Unit: 
    Humans and Nature Flourishing Together
    Grades 
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10
    11
    12

    Through analyzing a Ted Talk by Robin Wall Kimmerer, participants develop their understanding of what it means to respond with gratitude to the gifts from the Earth. Participants expand their awareness of the interdependent relationship between humans and nature.

  • Unit: 
    Community Philanthropy
    Grades 
    3
    4
    5

    Create a past, present, and future timeline of personal philanthropy. 

EVERYONE has something to give to make a better world!

EVERYONE has something to give to make a better world!
guide youth philanthropy
empower civic engagement
nurture trust and belonging