Performance of the mitzvah of tzedakah is, ideally, a holistic part of life, not an activity to be performed when all others have been completed! This lesson offers a classic model of how that ideal was realized by one of our Sages, Rabbi Tanchum, and how our families might...
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...
Learners investigate and share information about environmental organizations, particularly around the Flint Water Crisis, to compare and contrast how the three sectors differ in their purposes, goals, and achievements.
We discuss the joy of giving, as well as various ways to give through doing kind acts for people in the community. We learn how #GivingTuesday is a day of giving that combines efforts with others around the world to make a big difference. Children follow their own interests to make someone smile...
Learners walk around their neighborhood parks observing plants, use of space, and ways to make the shared space better. They problem-solve about things they can do and then interview and survey others to get ideas and permission to take action.
Learners use visual literacy skills to talk about an artistic image. They listen respectfully to the different opinions and perspectives of their peers. They identify a need in their school or community and create a simple image that tells others to think differently or take action to improve...
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...
Although the problems of the environment seem overwhelming, if each person does a little, the problems can be reduced. Even small contributions make an impact on the environment. Students choose ways they can make an impact through their small...
To identify the intersection between students’ passions, community needs and the effectiveness of organizations selected.
Students explore the legacy of George H. W. Bush and how he has contributed to the common good as part of his lifelong commitment to service and through his Points of Light initiative. The students work in small groups to answer questions and present to the class for discussion. Each student...