- Annual International Festival (3rd Grade): St. Richard's School, Indianapolis, IN
Countries Around the World utilizes the cultures of different countries to engage students in food, costume, celebrations, geography, education, music and other features of the country chosen to study. The lesson requests the use of parent involvement and culminates in a vivid presentation at a school assembly.
- Are You a Grouchy Ladybug? (PK-K): St. Richard's School, Indianapolis, IN
This lesson will introduce young children to the concepts of caring, sharing, cooperation, courtesy, feelings and helpfulness by using a child friendly text entitled The Grouchy Ladybug.
- Are You Hungry to Help? (PK-K): St. Richard's School, Indianapolis, IN
Students participate in a Read Aloud, discussion of what it means to be hungry, brainstorming ways that they can assist those who are in need of food. They construct materials to launch a successful food drive, collecting and distributing food donations to a local food pantry. The concepts of kindness, helpfulness, friendship, caring and sharing are presented in a book entitled: The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
- Bridging the Gap (Grades 6-8): Hudsonville Christian Middle School, Hudsonville, MI
Students will gain an increased understanding and awareness of philanthropy as well as become involved in a philanthropic activity on a regular basis.
- Disaster Collaboration (Grades 9-12): University High School, Carmel, IN
This unit introduces learners to different types of natural disasters, exploring how their potential devastation could be reduced, and how during and in their aftermath, individuals, civil society organizations and governments can provide assistance to help those impacted by the devastation. This unit was created as part of a collaborative initiative on promoting youth philanthropy education through a global network between the United States and Japan.
- For Love of Country (Grades 6-8): St. Richard's School, Indianapolis, IN
This lesson generously provided by St. Richard's School in Indianapolis, IN, describes the military's role in our country and highlights service to country as one of the most sacrificial forms of "voluntary action intended for the common good."
- Historical Biographies (3rd Grade): St. Richard's School, Indianapolis, IN
The following Lesson Plan, designed for 3rd graders, focuses on famous people and their contributions to society. The students not only research the background of a selected famous person, they also develop costumes to represent their chosen person. The lesson ends with a presentation before a school assembly where the students describe the famous person and the contributions he/she made to the world.
- Learning About Philanthropy-Diocesan Standard (Grades 3-5): St. Alphonsus Elem., Grand Rapids, MI
Students will identify philanthropy in their daily lives and will recognize time, talent, and treasure as components of stewardship and philanthropy.
- Lights! Camera! Take Action! (Grades 9-12)
What factors motivate a generation and a community to value giving and volunteering? In 2004, West Michigan was recognized by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as the nation's second most generous region per capita. This unit explores the stories, events, personalities, and motivations that create a culture of philanthropy.
- Mighty Pens: Writers for Positive Change (9-12)
The learners will develop the skill of writing in several genres, and recognize that reflecting and writing about civic engagement, service, and volunteerism enables them to clarify their own commitment and participation in contributing to the common good, and also gives them the power to inspire and persuade others to serve. Students are encouraged to publish their stories in writing, podcasts, weblogs, or other forms of media.
- Our Unique Legacy of Giving (Grades 6-8)
What factors motivate a community to value giving and volunteering? This unit, modeling the story of one community, inspires students to tell the story of their own people and places.
- Philanthropy's Role in a Democratic Society (Grades 9-12): Cathedral High School, Indianapolis, IN
This unit was created as a part of a collaborative initiative on promoting youth philanthropy education through a global network between the United States and Japan. This unit is part of the “Yui” Project (developing global citizenship and creating common ties that bind) in which the Japanese and U.S. students share information about the history and tradition of philanthropy in their respective countries.
- Telling Our Stories of Giving (6-8)
Students learn about and complete prewriting activities for three styles of writing: news stories, personal narratives, and persuasive essays. As they write and reflect, students increase their understanding of the impact of their philanthropy. They each write and publish one piece of writing as act of advocacy to raise awareness of community needs and encourage active involvement in solutions. Stories may be published in print, weblog, podcast, or another form of media.
- This I Can Do! (Grades 3-5): St. Alphonsus Elementary, Grand Rapids, MI
Everyone has special talents and abilities. We must seek to develop our own talents and use them to make a difference in our life and the lives of others. This unit will help students recognize talents and think of ways to use them to help others. They will also learn about homelessness from a homeless person's point of view.
