Music may bring joy or it may help people reflect on their feelings. The "freedom songs" may have motivated the Civil Rights activists as they sought to aid the common good, and we can bring music to someone in the community as a gift of generosity and inspiration.
Young people demonstrate that differences can be discussed and worked through kindly and playfully. When we disagree, curiosity and creativity can help us talk openly. Conflict isn't comfortable, but we have the curiosity and skills to get through.
From books and research, young people read about the Aztec Empire practice of human sacrifice, which was seen as a gift to help the community. Discuss the concept of sacrifice for the common good and debate individual rights and community responsibility when taking action for the common good....
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...
Sleep, rest, mindfulness, and taking time away from busyness help our overall health and wellbeing. Participants learn about the importance of sleep and analyze their own rest and wellness patterns. They determine how they can improve their own rest and mindfulness and encourage others.
The key to cultural competence is learning about cultures around the world. The book Children Like Me sparks curiosity about different cultures. Youth make a simple keychain to represent the different cultures they can learn about with the key that helps them open doors....
Continuing from the previous lesson, the young people learn the next four of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. They are challenged to apply the principles to their everyday lives in a way that enhances the communities to which they belong.
In this lesson, learners recognize that courage is something we need when making a difficult choice about something important. A hero makes courageous choices for the good of all, sometimes risking personal safety and comfort.
We look at two examples of art connecting diverse people. The first example is a man who connects people around the world by dancing badly and capturing cultural expressions of dance and community. The second example is an artist who leaves free paintings around Boston (and then around the world...
Learners read and discuss a story about an act of caring. They brainstorm five ideas for simple acts of caring that make a difference to at least one person.