Learning to Give, Curriculum Division of The LEAGUE
The LEAGUE
- teachers
- parents
- students
- youth workers
- faith groups
- independent schools
- find lesson plans
- browse resources
Unit Overview:
This unit is designed to help students to understand and explore the meaning of the term philanthropy - giving and sharing time talent and treasure for the common good. It is designed to promote higher level thinking skills and deep understanding of the sociological and historical implications of philanthropic activity. Students will have the opportunity to examine various factors that may motivate an individual to practice philanthropy, as well as consider some of the potential risks. Students will have an opportunity to engage in substantive conversation and formulate reasoned arguments based on a philanthropic act of civil disobedience that occurred in Marshall, Michigan in 1838. Students will also be given the opportunity to do individual research on a related topic of their choice.
The students will be using various trade books as vehicles to examine the social issues that prompted various acts of philanthropy that took place immediately before and during the Civil War. The activities that accompany the lessons are intended to incorporate various learning modalities (multiple intelligences) of students.
Unit Purpose:
Unit Objectives:
Students will:
- learn the definition of philanthropy.
- be able to identify and give examples of philanthropy in fiction and in their own lives.
- examine various attitudes toward philanthropy.
- identify some personal benefits of engaging in philanthropic acts.
- consider choices, decision-making, and potential consequences of being philanthropic.
- compare and contrast a theoretical world "with" and "without" philanthropy.
- acquire, organize, and present information regarding acts of philanthropy done in Michigan during the Civil War.
- examine varying viewpoints on a controversial act of philanthropy that took place in Marshall, Michigan prior to the Civil War.
- have an opportunity to express their opinions about philanthropy through persuasive writing.
Service Experience:
The students will have opportunities to interview grandparents or other individuals regarding philanthropy and will also have an opportunity to write their local newspaper or elected officials, expressing their opinions about a topic of concern.
Unit Assessment:
Each lesson has an individual assessment.
Notes for Teaching:
The five lessons in this unit are based upon the children's trade book, Gentle Annie: The True Story of a Civil War Nurse, by Mary Frances Shura, Apple paperback, 1997. ISBN: 0590435000.
This book is an example of historical fiction. It chronicles the true story of Annie Etheridge, a young woman from Detroit, Michigan, who enlisted as a laundress/nurse with the Second Michigan Volunteer Regiment. As one of several young female volunteers, she was the only one who did not return home when the unit marched into battle. Beginning with the first Battle of Bull Run, she distinguished herself by nursing the wounded and dying soldiers, as well as showing great personal courage. The book could be used for whole class instruction, or could be read to the class by the teacher. With slight modification, the lessons could be used with various other trade books about the Civil War.
Other recommended books include:
- Beatty, Patricia. Who Comes With Cannons? Greenwillow, 1992. ISBN: 0688110282.
- Whelan, Gloria. Friends. Thunder Bay Press, 1997. ISBN: 1882376544. Most of the assessments for this unit is also related to Language Arts objectives and could be added to students' writing portfolios.
State Curriculum and Philanthropy Theme Frameworks:
See individual lessons for benchmark detail.
Lessons Developed and Piloted By:
Sally Engleman Cioe
Reeths-Puffer Schools
McMillan Elementary School
2885 Hyde Park Rd.
Muskegon, MI 49445
All rights reserved. Permission is granted to freely use this information for nonprofit (noncommercial), educational purposes only. Copyright must be acknowledged on all copies.