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Our Classroom is a Community
  1. Strand PHIL.I Definitions of Philanthropy
    1. Standard DP 01. Define Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark E.1 Define philanthropy as the giving and sharing of time, talent, or treasure intended for the common good.
      2. Benchmark E.3 Recognize that citizens have a responsibility for the common good as defined by democratic principles.
    2. Standard DP 02. Roles of Government, Business, and Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark E.3 Identify ways that trust is important in all communities.
      2. Benchmark E.6 Explain why acting philanthropically is good for the community, state, nation, or world.
    3. Standard DP 06. Role of Family in Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark E.2 Identify examples of families supporting giving and sharing.
  2. Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
    1. Standard PCS 01. Self, citizenship, and society
      1. Benchmark E.1 Define the word <em>trust</em> and its role in all communities.
    2. Standard PCS 05. Philanthropy and Government
      1. Benchmark E.1 Define community as the degree that people come together for the common good.
      2. Benchmark E.7 Describe why the classroom, school, or neighborhood is a community governed by fundamental democratic principles.
  3. Strand PHIL.III Philanthropy and the Individual
    1. Standard PI 01. Reasons for Individual Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark E.7 Give classroom examples of when a student does not need the teacher's permission to act philanthropically.

We define community as "coming together with a common purpose" and brainstorm communities we are part of: classroom, sports team, interest and faith groups, and neighborhood.  We reflect on how philanthropy and trust affect the common good of the community.

Duration: 
PrintOne Forty-Five Minute Session
Objectives: 

The learner will:

  • define community and identify different communities they are part of.
  • name examples of philanthropic acts.
  • state why trust and philanthropy are important in a community.
Materials: 
  • index cards
  • basket labeled "Kind Acts to Build Community"
  • example ideas of kind acts on the handout below
Instructions: 
Print

  1. Anticipatory Set:

    Review the definition of philanthropy from the first lesson: giving time, talent, or treasure for the common good. (Ties and testimony too)

    Show the prepared cards in the basket, and tell children these are kind things they can do without permission. [Read a few and tell them they can add cards with new ideas to the basket.]

  2. Ask the children to define the word community in their own words. Come to the definition of community as "a group of people that live in the same area or people that come together for a common purpose." Talk about communities we are part of: family, sports team, classroom, interest or faith group, and neighborhood.

  3. Discuss what makes a community better for everyone in it.  Make a list of positive things they can do as community members. 

  4. Point out that many of the actions they listed are acts of philanthropy. Talk about which things from their list are sharing time (inviting someone to play), sharing talent (helping with work), and sharing treasure (giving a little toy or school supply).

  5. Define trust as doing the right things even when no one is looking. Discuss what it means to trust each other. What does trust feel like? Discuss why trust matters within a community. Without trust, how will people feel about doing or accepting acts of philanthropy?

  6. Encourage the children to carry out a new philanthropic act sometime in the next few days. After a few days, discuss how they feel about their shared community. Did this activity improve the common good of the community?