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Recognizing Philanthropy in a Legend and in Modern Society-Examples of Sharing as Told Through a Native American Legend
Lesson 3:
From Unit Philanthropy and You
Purpose:
To review the idea of philanthropy through a Native American legend as people take action when a problem arises in their community.
Duration:
Two 45 Minute Class Periods
Objectives:
The Learner will:
- be able to identify a community need, who fulfilled the need, and what the implications were for the future.
- give examples of how they act selflessly.
Materials:
- The Legend of the Bluebonnet by Tomie DePaola (see Bibliographic References)
Summary of Legend
A Comanche community is suffering from a drought. The Great Spirits are punishing the Comanche because of their selfishness with the land. The solution to their problem, according to the Great Spirits, is to sacrifice a most valued possession. One girl realizes the depth of the community problem and offers her favorite doll. Because of her selfless act, the rains fall and the community is healed. - Related Questions for students (see Attachment One) and Answer Key (see Attachment Two).
Instructional Procedure(s):
Anticipatory Set
Show students the illustrations from Tomie DePaolo's The Legend of the Bluebonnet. Preview the story with the following questions:
- In this legend, the Comanche People face a community problem.
- What do you think the community problem is?
- How do you think it will be solved?
- What do you think the future for the Commanche People will be like?
- Read The Legend of the Bluebonnet to students.
- Discuss the idea of philanthropy in this community.
- What was the community need?
- What options and resources do the People have to meet the need?
- What was the plan of action to fulfill the need?
- Who fulfilled the need? How do you think she felt about her sacrifice?
- Because of the little girl's action, how was the future of her community affected?
- Questions to explore orally with your class:
- What is your most valued possession? If your community needed it to help raise money for a charity, would you sacrifice your treasure? How would you feel about it?
- Many communities experience the natural effects of droughts, flooding, earthquakes, and hurricanes. How have communities demonstrated philanthropy to assist a devastated area?
- In the story, She-Who-Is-Alone acts selfessly, giving up her doll for her people. Have you ever acted selflessly to help someone or something in need? Explain How did you feel about it?
Assessment:
- Teacher observation of student participation.
- Written assessment. Have students answer the five text-related questions (5 points) provided on the student page. Also have students respond to one or more of the 'questions to explore.' Evaluate based on completeness and accuracy relative to the ideas presented in the class discussion.
Extension:
Divide class into several groups and have each group research a current or past natural disasters caused. In this research have students identify a community need that resulted from that disaster and the person or organization which helped to fulfill that need. Have students report back on the effectiveness of these actions.
Bibliographical References:
- DePaola, Tomie. The Legend of the Bluebonnet. Putnam Juvenile, 1996. ISBN: 0698113594.
Lesson Developed and Piloted by:
Christel HomrichForest Hills Public Schools
Thornapple Elementary School
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Handouts:
Handout 1Print Handout 1
Related Questions
The Legend of the Bluebonnet by Tomie DePaola
Answer the following questions related to philanthropy from The Legend of the Bluebonnet
- What was the community need?
- What options and resources do the People have to meet the need?
- What was the plan of action to fulfill the need?
- Who fulfilled the need? How do you think she felt about her sacrifice?
- How was the future of the community affected by the little girl’s action?
- What is your most valued possession? If your community needed it to help raise money for a charity, would you sacrifice your treasure? How would you feel about it?
- Many communities experience the natural effects of droughts, flooding, earthquakes, and hurricanes. How have communities demonstrated philanthropy to assist a devastated area?
- The Author’s Notes from The Legend of the Bluebonnet say, “She-Who-Is-Alone’s act of thrusting her beloved doll into the fire to save her people represents the decisive sort of action that many young people are capable of, the kind of selfless action that creates miracles.” Have you ever acted selflessly to help someone or something in need? Explain
Handout 2Print Handout 2
Answer Key
The Legend of the Bluebonnet by Tomie DePaola
WRITTENAnswer the following questions related to philanthropy from The Legend of the Bluebonnet
- What was the community need?
(The community is suffering a drought.)
- What options and resources do the People have to meet the need?
(The people need to sacrifice the most valued possession, two people do not want to help.)
- What was the plan of action to fulfill the need?
(She-Who-Is Alone decides to sacrifice her favorite doll.)
- Who fulfilled the need? How do you think she felt about her sacrifice?
(The girl She-Who-Is Alone fills the need. At first she is sad, but when she awakes and sees the result of her action, she feels wonderful.)
- How was the future of the community affected by the little girl’s action?
(The rains have come and left beautiful bluebonnets. The drought is over.)
Questions to explore
- What is your most valued possession? If your community needed it to help raise money for a charity, would you sacrifice your treasure? How would you feel about it?
- Many communities experience the natural effects of droughts, flooding, earthquakes, and hurricanes. How have communities demonstrated philanthropy to assist a devastated area?
- The Author’s Notes from The Legend of the Bluebonnet say, “She-Who-Is-Alone’s act of thrusting her beloved doll into the fire to save her people represents the decisive sort of action that many young people are capable of, the kind of selfless action that creates miracles.” Have you ever acted selflessly to help someone or something in need? Explain
Unit Contents:
Overview:Philanthropy and You Summary
Lessons:
- 1.
- Introduction to Philanthropy—Recognizing Good Citizenship and Philanthropy in Our Community
- 2.
- Introduction to Philanthropic Beliefs of Native Americans
- 3.
- Recognizing Philanthropy in a Legend and in Modern Society-Examples of Sharing as Told Through a Native American Legend
- 4.
- Human Rights Throughout History—Philanthropy and History of Human Rights Activists
- 5.
- Squanto Helps New Arrivals—Squanto and His Philanthropic Contributions
- 6.
- Ben Franklin, The Good Citizen—Benjamin Franklin's Contributions to Philadelphia
- 7.
- I Do My Part
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Comments
(The book) "Legend of Bluebonnet" really showed kids selflessness. We discussed valued possessions and how good it feels to share and help others. (I) Related this to our schools' character traits.
Students gave a great discussion on whether they would ever give the ultimate sacrifice of their life. In light of Sept. 11th and Trade Center volunteers in public service and their sacrifices, it made the lesson phenomenal.
Students discussed needs and also sacrifices that others make to their community a better place to live.