Learning to Give, Philanthropy education resources that teach giving and civic engagement
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Unit Overview:
The lessons in this unit will focus on philanthropy during the colonial times as well as various formal organizations established prior to 1763. Learners will define and give examples of terms related to philanthropy and the common good.
Unit Purpose:
This unit will define philanthropy by providing opportunities for students to examine the prevailing conditions in colonial America that prompted individuals to establish organizations which promoted the common good. They will find examples in literature of the simple act of doing something for the common good. Learners will research how colonial organizations, which developed in the nonprofit/ independent sector, have transformed themselves over time to continue to provide for the common good.
Unit Objectives:
The learner will:
- define and use the vocabulary of philanthropy and the common good.
- describe three organizations that grew as a result of critical changes in American society.
- develop a timeline that links events and organizations during colonial times.
- identify and illustrate four examples of philanthropy in colonial America.
- identify an act of philanthropy in literature.
- describe how the work of some early colonial organizations still impacts the common good.
- identify how the Core Democratic Values are represented in the work of independent sector organizations.
Service Experience:
In Lesson Three, learners will set up stations in school and/or the community to collect used books to be donated to places in need of them.
Unit Assessment:
Students will design a poster that focuses on a person or organization that provided for the common good in colonial America. Rubrics are included for the poster.
Students will research colonial philanthropic organizations and report on their contributions to the common good. Rubrics are included for an essay and a timeline.
Learners will present an oral report on the work of a colonial organization which still provides for the common good today. Rubrics are included for the oral report.
Learners will evaluate the service learning project through self-reflection.
School/Home Connection:
"Copy-and-Paste" Class/School Newsletter Information Insert:
Even in the early days of this country, organizations were created which contributed to the common good. Learners will discover colonial philanthropists and their contributions to society and see how some of those organizations are still in existence today.
Interactive Parent / Learner Homework:
- Lesson One: Growing Up - Learners will discuss with a family member and write an essay on "Why were organizations needed to help during colonial times?"
- Lesson Three: Learning from the Past: A New Approach - Learners may choose to ask family members to share information about the book collection with their friends who may be willing to contribute books to the drive
Notes for Teaching:
It is advisable that teachers secure access to the Internet or obtain information ahead of time and copy it to be shared with students.
State Curriculum and Philanthropy Theme Frameworks:
See individual lessons for benchmark detail.
Lessons Developed By:
Ramona Purdy
Detroit Public Schools
Van Zile Elementary School
2915 E Outer Dr
Detroit, MI 48234
All rights reserved. Permission is granted to freely use this information for nonprofit (noncommercial), educational purposes only. Copyright must be acknowledged on all copies.
