Sharing and Caring Across Generations
What can we learn from diverse people today and in history about private action for the common good?
Photo Credit: Grandma reading to Anika #1 by Ratha Grimes is licensed under CC by 2.0
Students listen to stories about different generations and make connections with some senior community members. They explore shared experiences with memory—memories of people, toys, good times, family. They explore the concept of recycling, what it meant in past generations compared to what it means today.
This lesson raises students’ awareness of memories and the importance of memories to the people of all ages that make up a community. Students will learn the definition of philanthropy and identify an act of philanthropy in the literature book Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge.
The students collect and organize information and interpret data on a graph using the “memory items” brought from home. (See Lesson One: Traveling Back in Time.)
Students recognize that their actions and behaviors will become memories for future generations. They will recognize the importance of recycling and using resources wisely for the common good. Students identify ways to make recycling a routine part of their lives.
Students define stewardship and commit to reducing the amount of trash they contribute to the world. Students talk to older family members about trash and recycling memories to determine if this is an old problem or a new problem.
Through multiple visits to a retirement home, or by inviting seniors to visit the classroom, students will learn effective communication, sensitivity to people of different generations and shared experiences while sharing ideas about the common good and stewardship.