Philanthropic Literature

Unit of 8 Lessons
Grade Levels: 
K
1
2
Subjects: 
Arts Education
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Science
Issue Area: 
Literacy
Focus Question 

 How does an individual use personal interests and strengths to impact the common good? 

 

 

Unit Overview 

Using literature as a starting point, we explore philanthropic concepts and a variety of ways to share and care for others.  

Service Experience 
With each piece of literature, young people discuss how they can use their voice, attitude, words, actions, and time to make the world a better place. 
Lessons in This Unit 
Unit: 
Philanthropic Literature
Lesson 3 of 8
Grades: 
K
1
2

Fables teach lessons or morals through animal actions. The exaggerated human-like characteristics of animals make the moral lesson appealing. The story of the "Lion and the Mouse" illustrates that a kind deed is never wasted.

Unit: 
Philanthropic Literature
Lesson 4 of 8
Grades: 
K
1
2

This predictable and repetitive story, The Doorbell Rang, has a charming and surprising ending. The children must share a plate of cookies with a growing number of neighbors, but what do they do when there are more kids than cookies? They might surprise you! 

Unit: 
Philanthropic Literature
Lesson 6 of 8
Grades: 
K
1
2

Fairy tales are great stories for helping young people work out complicated moral issues in a make-believe context. Found in countries all around the world, the same story plays out in different contexts. Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters is a "Cinderella" story from Africa in which kindness, generosity, honesty, and love are rewarded and selfishness is punished. 

Unit: 
Philanthropic Literature
Lesson 7 of 8
Grades: 
K
1
2

In the book, Miss Tizzy, the repetition and days of the week make this warm neighborhood story predictable. Miss Tizzy is generous with the neighborhood children in so many ways. How do the children take action when Miss Tizzy gets ill?

Unit: 
Philanthropic Literature
Lesson 8 of 8
Grades: 
K
1
2

Sometimes when a child or adult has a special need, health concern, or comes from an unfamiliar faith or background, we are unsure how to act. This Little Critter book demonstrates how to be kind and curious, and show respect for their abilities and strengths.