Learning to Give, Philanthropy education resources that teach giving and civic engagement
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Overview:
Note: 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 Francis 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. Most of the assessments for this unit are also related to Language Arts objectives and could be included in students' writing portfolios.
Purpose:
Duration:
One Thirty to Forty-Five Minute Class Period
Objectives:
The learner will:
- explain the meaning of philanthropy as, "caring, sharing, and/or private action for the common good."
- identify examples of philanthropy toward Annie Etheridge in the first three chapters of Gentle Annie.
- cite and discuss examples of philanthropy that they have observed in their own lives.
Service Experience:
Learn more about the stages of service-learning.
As an entire class or in small cooperative groups, students will generate a list of examples of philanthropy that they have personally observed or heard about.
Materials:
- Gentle Annie, by Mary Frances Shura (see Bibliographic References)
- Classroom materials: Chalkboard, whiteboard, or overhead projector OR
- Paper and pencils
- Students will have finished reading and discussing Gentle Annie, Chapters 1-3.
Instructional Procedure(s):
Anticipatory Set:
Introduce the term philanthropy by writing it on the board or overhead, saying it, and allowing students to practice saying it. Students will hypothesize definitions of the word philanthropy, without other direction. (KWL.) Record responses on the board or overhead.
- Provide the definition of philanthropy (caring, sharing, and/or private action for the common good).
- Small groups of students will discuss and record examples of philanthropy that they have read about. One student or all students could record their findings.
- Small group findings will be reported to the entire class.
- As an entire class or in small groups, students will record examples of philanthropy that they have personally observed or heard about.
Assessment:
The students will write a paragraph. The paragraph will need to include:
Criteria for acceptance includes all the above, plus the class standard criteria for paragraph writing. This standard includes Paragraph Form: indent, topic sentence, supporting details, complete sentences, and correct spelling for known words.the definition of philanthropy in the topic sentence, at least two examples of philanthropy observed by the individual student, and for each example given, students must explain why he/she considers this an act of philanthropy.
Cross-Curriculum Extensions:
Students will:
- keep a diary (calendar) of examples of philanthropy that they observe for a period of time to be determined by the teacher.
- look for articles (in the newspaper and/or other periodicals) that describe acts of philanthropy.
- keep a diary of their own acts of "philanthropy" for a period of time to be determined by the teacher.
Bibliographical References:
Shura, Mary Francis. Gentle Annie: The True Story of a Civil War Nurse. Apple paperback, 1997. ISBN: 0590435000.
Lesson Developed By:
Sally Engleman CioeReeths-Puffer Schools
McMillan Elementary School
Muskegon, MI 49445
Handouts:
Unit Contents:
Overview:Philanthropy in Michigan—Civil War Summary
Lessons:
- 1.
- What is Philanthropy?
- 2.
- Forming Opinions
- 3.
- Why Should I Do Philanthropy?
- 4.
- Philanthropic Michiganians of the Civil War
- 5.
- Decision-Making—Who Was Right?
All rights reserved. Permission is granted to freely use this information for nonprofit (noncommercial), educational purposes only. Copyright must be acknowledged on all copies.
Comments
The students really liked studying the Civil War and thinking/discussing the ways people - both soldiers and civilians helped each other in bold and brave ways. I noticed my students started using the word "philanthropy" as it applies to ways they can give to others.
(The positive aspect of using this lesson was) students became aware of acts they were doing that they did not consider as philanthropic before.
(The positive aspect of using this lesson was) The humorous first chapter caught the kids attention. Historical novels are a new genre. Great allignment with curriculum.
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(The positive aspect of using this lesson was) it's nice to integrate Social Studies, Reading, Writing, and Philanthropy in one unit.
This lesson provides an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge of philanthropy to their own lives. This makes the learning authentic and meaningful.
Thank you for sharing this Philanthropy lesson plan to accompany "Gentle Annie". This is an excellent resource.