Alphabody ABCs of Giving
Stretching imagination and vocabulary, youth brainstorm words that demonstrate kindness and generosity. Being playful with their postures and shadows, youth work cooperatively with one or two others to act out their ideas and form alphabet letters.
- identify generous opportunities and define philanthropy
- solve a problem using kinesthetic awareness.
- Philanthropic Menus (see handouts below)
Instructions
Anticipatory Set:
Challenge the children's vocabulary by asking them for words that describe giving and kindness, such as share or cooperate. Then say, "I wonder if we can come up with ideas for every letter of the alphabet."
Tell them you have a big new word for these kind actions: philanthropy. Define philanthropy as "giving time, talent, or treasure for the common good." For the letter p in the list, write "practice philanthropy." (This is also an opportunity to talk about the ph sound.)
Brainstorm action words to describe giving and kindness that begin with each letter of the alphabet. Write the list down on a chart for all to see.
See the handouts below for ideas to prompt youth creativity with language.
Assign a letter of the alphabet to groups of two or three, or let them choose their letter. Working with their partner(s), they act out one of the ideas for their letter. For example, they may act out helping a friend who got hurt during a sport.
They also playfully form their letter of the alphabet with their bodies. Look up body alphabet on Pinterest.
- Here's a video sample.
- Grover's Own Alphabet is a fun book for this by Golden Books.
After all the groups act out their ideas, discuss what kind actions they'd like to try. Talk about what good can happen and how it feels to be kind to others.
Philanthropy Framework
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Strand PHIL.I Definitions of Philanthropy
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Standard DP 01. Define Philanthropy
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Benchmark E.1 Define philanthropy as the giving and sharing of time, talent, or treasure intended for the common good.
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