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Circle of Caring

Grades: 
6, 7, 8
Subjects: 
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Keywords & Concepts: 
Character Education: Caring
Common Good

Learners define caring through discussion of examples and writing an acrostic.

Duration 
PrintOne 20-minute lesson
Objectives 

The learner will:

  • define caring and its value to actions and relationships.
Materials 

chart paper and markers

Related Resources 

Instructions

Print

  1. Anticipatory Set:

    Discuss the meaning and impact of caring on our behavior and relationships. How does caring about something or someone change the way we interact or do our best? Ask the learners to give examples of times they did something because they cared about doing a good job or about the person they were with and what that was like. 

    For example, if I really care about the environment, I may be more interested in reading about a disease that is attacking a local tree species than if a teacher assigns the reading for a grade. Another example is when I really care about the kids I'm babysitting, I make more effort to make sure they have a good time. 

  2. When we take action as a volunteer or advocate, it is much better to do things we care about. It is generous to volunteer and put in time to help, but when our service is something we really care about and feel concern for its future, we feel more engaged and we have more of an impact. Discuss what that type of caring looks and feels like.

  3. Caring is an adjective that describes how we act with kindness, affection, and helpfulness. Caring may describe how someone treats other people. It means feeling concern and showing interest. Describe how it feels when someone cares and acts caring. 

  4. Write a group acrostic to generate discussion on the meaning of caring. Write the word CARING vertically on a chart. Use the letters in the word caring to start each line and write synonyms, adjectives, and examples of the word caring.

  5. Example:

    C-concern for others

    A-always listens

    R-reaches out to others

    I-initiates friendships

    N-notices feelings of others

    G-generous

  6. Display the completed acrostic on the wall.

Philanthropy Framework

  1. Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
    1. Standard PCS 01. Self, citizenship, and society
      1. Benchmark MS.4 Describe the characteristics of someone who helps others.
    2. Standard PCS 02. Diverse Cultures
      1. Benchmark MS.2 Describe the importance of hearing all voices in a community and respecting their right to be heard.
      2. Benchmark MS.3 Give an example of how philanthropy can transcend cultures.
  2. Strand PHIL.III Philanthropy and the Individual
    1. Standard PI 01. Reasons for Individual Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.3 Identify and give examples of stewardship in cultural traditions around the world.
      2. Benchmark MS.4 Identify and describe the actions of how citizens act for the common good.
      3. Benchmark MS.5 Describe the responsibility students have to act in the civil society sector to improve the common good.