Using award-winning literature, the learners describe and analyze racism in Mississippi during the Great Depression. The readers identify the injustices in the community as well as the values and self-respect that build community relationships and strength.
In this lesson, learners identify bullying behavior using two literature books, Mr. Lincoln's Way and The Secret Bully. They compare and contrast two examples of bullying behavior portrayed in the books and create a peer/staff/family survey to...
Learners role-play familiar scenarios in ways that follow the rules and support straightforward communication and also in ways that do not support honesty. They discuss the value of rules or expectations for promoting the common good.
Through persuasive writing, young people build awareness and invite action for change about an issue. Typical writing forms may include essays, editorials, feature articles, or speeches.
In this session, we learn about the sectors of civil society sector - business, government, and nonprofit. Youth watch the second half of the documentary The Gift of All and talk about the issues in West Michigan and the motivations of the philanthropists who made a major difference in...
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. Kimmerer motivates and...
Literature and primary documents help youth understand the role of the Constitution for the United States. They overview the three branches of government described in the first three articles and learn that government officials are serving with their time and talent for the common good. With the...
Building a caring and inclusive classroom begins with an understanding of where students are at not just academically, but emotionally. Many students today have been exposed to experiences that affect their ability to regulate their emotions. By teaching children positive behavior and self-...
This lesson clarifies that true rights are guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Participants discuss the importance of protecting these rights, and if and when it is ever appropriate to limit rights. We learn that one role of nonprofits is to preserve and promote guaranteed rights.
In this lesson, young people research various types of renewable energy and write a persuasive statement about which energy source their city or county should invest in.