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Selfless - Selfish
  1. Strand PHIL.III Philanthropy and the Individual
    1. Standard PI 01. Reasons for Individual Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark E.5 Give examples of actions students can take to improve the common good and list or describe responsibilities that go with those actions.
      2. Benchmark E.9 Give examples how people give time, talent or treasure in different cultures.

We each have gifts we can use to give our lives purpose and make the world better. Using our gifts for the good of others can solve problems, if we take bold and selfless action. Even very young people are capable of the kind of selfless actions that create positive change.

Duration: 
PrintOne 45-Minute Session
Objectives: 
  • give examples of acts of selflessness that improve the quality of life.
Materials: 
  • read aloud copy of The Legend of the Bluebonnet by Tomie de Paola 
Bibliography: 

De Paola, Tomie. The Legend of the Bluebonnet. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 1983.

Instructions: 
Print

  1. Anticipatory Set:

    Write the words selfless and selfish on the board. Circle the suffix and prefix and point out the root word. "Self means me. I can act self - less or self - ish." Discuss the difference with examples. 

  2. Introduce The Legend of the Bluebonnet. Tell the children to listen for the words selfish and selfless in the story.

  3. During the story, stop and check for understanding of the problem and what the spirits want. Discuss words drought and famine.

  4. Discuss the following questions:

    • Who was selfish in the story?
    • In what ways could people be selfish to the earth? In what ways are we selfish to the earth today?
    • What did She-Who-Is-Alone do that was selfless? 
    • How difficult do you think it was for her to give up her doll? Why did she do it?
    • What was the benefit to all for her selfless gift?
    • What does this tell us about personal behavior in the group wellbeing?

  5. Discuss small selfless things we can do for the earth that create and improve rather than use up and destroy.

    Discuss small selfless things we can do for one another that create and improve community rather than hurt others or cause fighting.

  6. Each person can reflect on and name something they would like to do for the good of all or the earth (or both).