The learner will:

• define philanthropy and give examples of it in everyday life.

Anticipatory Set:

Write the word “philanthropy” on the board. Ask students to write what they think the word means. Students may illustrate their definition. Allow a few minutes for this activity. Students should read their definitions or show their illustrations to their classmates. The teacher should write on the board samples indicating time, treasure or talent. Show the five-minute video clip (Philanthropy is…).

• Share this little story with the class:
  It was Election Day and Mrs. Rogers wanted to go to the polls and vote. She had planned to take the baby in the stroller with her but today the baby seemed to be coming down with a cold and was too uncomfortable to go. Hearing about this problem, Mrs. Evers, the neighbor next door, urged Mrs. Rogers to leave the baby with her while she voted. Finding this a perfect solution, Mrs. Rogers found she was able to go to the polls and vote after all.
  
  Tell the learners that some people would say Mrs. Evers’ action was an example of philanthropy. Working in teams of three, ask learners to use this example to decide what the word philanthropy means.
  
  
• When the teams appear to have settled on their definitions, set up a brainstorming web on the board. Each team can offer their idea of what philanthropy is. As the web is created, the class can see what the other teams have contributed to the topic. This web can include synonyms for the words in the definition, examples of each word, or personal experiences of giving and sharing.
  
  
• At this time put the following definition on the chalkboard: “Philanthropy means private citizens sharing or giving of their time, talent or treasure for the common good.” Ask learners if there is anything in this definition which was not included in the webbing about the term. Suggest that the class use this definition for the term “philanthropy” while studying this unit.
  
  
• Ask learners to reflect on what are some examples of giving time, talents and treasures. Reflection activities can include activities such as having the teams use drawings demonstrating time, treasure, and talent. The learners can do a walk about and write down one or two elements of time, treasure or talent that their classmates cite. One person, acting as a recorder for the team, reports out to the class.

The learners should ask their parents/guardians to give examples of how their family or friends have or can give time, treasure or talent to their neighborhood or community.