Philanthropic Literature
How does an individual use personal interests and strengths to impact the common good?
Using literature as a starting point, the students explore philanthropic concepts and the benefits of sharing and caring for others. A simulation gives them practice sharing where there is a scarcity of resources. They identify and compare examples of tolerant and intolerant behavior.
This lesson uses a colorful book to introduce a conversation about giving something you value to make a better community.
A read-aloud book teaches about George Washington Carver and his contributions to science. Students gain an understanding of a famous person of the past and the importance of his actions for the common good.
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 and whatever kindness we can do is related to good citizenship.
Introduces the idea of sharing in a situation where there is a scarcity of resources. Increases listening comprehension and the use of critical-thinking skills.
Introduces the idea of sharing in a situation where there is a scarcity of resources. Exposes students to the concept of tolerance of differences. Increases listening comprehension and the use of critical thinking skills.
Fairy tales are great stories for helping students 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.
To expose students to literature that reinforces the concept of unconditional kindness and demonstrates the idea that a good deed done for others will come back to you. The story also reinforces the days of the week.