This beautiful documentary The Gift of All: a Community of Givers shares the motivations and attributes of the generous people interviewed. In response, the learners create their own short biographies of philanthropists in their community.

The learners build on their understanding, seeking actual facts and statistics about homelessness locally and nationally.

Learners look for examples of personal best in a movie about perseverance and discuss the value of working toward their personal best even when it is difficult.

Students experience empathy for people who are homeless by listening to a song and completing the “I Am’ poem assignment.

Students determine which community need they want to address with a service project. Once a priority need has been determined, they research related nonprofit organizations with a student-generated list of questions.

Learners reflect on a role-play scenario demonstrating fair and unfair decision-making techniques. They identify behaviors that promote or create barriers to making decisions. A Dr. Seuss book provides a discussion starter.

Based on the book The Runaway Rice Cake, the group writes a familiar story from a different perspective. The moral of the story is that when the character gives generously and from the heart, the giver is also rewarded in some way.

Youth explore the history of philanthropic behavior (sharing, community collaboration, service) in ancient cultures and today, as well as compare themes of love and service in different world religious practices. 

To help students understand how to use their voices to advocate for causes about which they care. 

Through discussion and a game, children identify the value of education to individuals and the community.