Learning to Give, Philanthropy education resources that teach giving and civic engagement

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Giving of Treasure: Heart and Mind
Unit of 3 lessons
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6th-8th Grade
Subjects:

Language Arts, Library / Technology, Philanthropy and Social Studies

Key Words/Concepts click to view
Lesson 1 : ELA: Alexander Who Used To Be Rich Last Sunday; Compare/Contrast; Persuasive Techniques; Research; Resources; Writing Process
 PHIL: Community; Needs Assessment
 SOC: Decision Making Model; Human Capital; Inquiry; Scarcity; Wants/Needs
Lesson 2 : ELA: Brainstorming; Presentations; Research; Teamwork; Technology
 PHIL: Guidestar.org; Nonprofit Organizations
 SOC: Decision Making Model; Human Capital; Inquiry; Scarcity; Wants/Needs
Lesson 3 : PHIL: Community
 SOC: Decision Making Model; Economics; Human Capital; Inquiry; Nonprofit; Scarcity; Voting; Wants/Needs

Unit Overview:

Upon determining that scarcity of resources does not permit all wants and needs to be satisfied, students will apply a decision-making process to determine how available scarce resources can be used to provide philanthropic giving. Group and individual learning opportunities will be provided for students to be engaged in research and presentation of information regarding their choices.

Unit Purpose:

As students are engaged in indirect service or advocacy projects, they need a guiding structure for informed giving of treasure. Students will be guided through the process of identifying a community need and researching organizations addressing that need. Based on presentations of available organizations, students will decide how scarce funds should be spent.

Unit Objectives:

The learner will:

  • distinguish between wants and needs.
  • compare the ways families and communities solve disputes about spending their scarce resources.
  • select a community need and defend it, as the most important, with supporting reasons.
  • use electronic resources to research philanthropic organizations
  • organize research information and design a visual presentation
  • assess the value of organizations using comparison and contrast.
  • explain the influence of objective and subjective factors upon the process of decision making.

Service Experience:

Although lessons in this unit contain service project examples, decisions about service plans and implementation should be made by students, as age appropriate.

The students' visual presentations may also be presented to a guest representing a community group which provides assistance. Second, students may present funds in person to the organization chosen for assistance.

Unit Assessment:

A written essay will serve as the assessment of lesson objectives.

School/Home Connection:

    "Copy-and-Paste" Class/School Newsletter Information Insert:
    As we prepare students for their future as independent adults, we know that informed use of personal finances is of great importance. Students are learning about wants and needs within their families and local community. They are using valuable thinking skills to decide how funds (fictitious or those provided through a service learning project or community foundation) should be donated among competing needs within our community.

Interactive Parent / Student Homework:

See Attachment Two: School/Home Connection—Decisions, Decisions! Wants vs. Needs from Lesson One: Finding the Seed of Need.

Notes for Teaching:

Although designed for middle school students, this unit is applicable for high school students with some modification.

State Curriculum and Philanthropy Theme Frameworks:

See individual lessons for benchmark detail.

Lessons Developed By:

Lisa Ludwig
Cedar Springs Public Schools
Cedar Springs Middle School
204 E Muskegon St
Cedar Springs, MI 49319

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