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A Decision of Integrity

Grades: 
6, 7, 8
Subjects: 
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Keywords & Concepts: 
Biography
Character Education: Integrity
Civic Responsibility/Virtue

Learners read a brief description of the tough choice Frederik de Klerk faced as a leader in South Africa. They look at the strength needed to act with integrity when the pressure tells us to conform.

Duration 
PrintOne 20-minute lesson
Objectives 

The learner will:

  • identify the barriers to acting with integrity and discuss how to stand up for what you value. 
Materials 
  • copies of the handout below Frederik De Klerk
Related Resources 

Instructions

Print

  1. Anticipatory Set:

    In the first lesson, we identified our home as an important source of learning our values and sense of what is right. Today, we'll read about a man who showed great integrity in direct opposition to his family background. Read to find out how he arrived at the values that guided his actions.

  2. Give the learners time to read the handout about Frederik De Klerk below. Discuss the questions at the end of the text.

  3. Summarize that while the essay is about overthrowing the system of apartheid that makes racial segregation legal, the deeper meaning is that one person, acting with integrity, can make a difference.

Philanthropy Framework

  1. Strand PHIL.I Definitions of Philanthropy
    1. Standard DP 01. Define Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.1 Define philanthropy as individuals and organizations providing their time, talent, and/or treasures intended for the common good throughout history and around the world. Give examples.
    2. Standard DP 02. Roles of Government, Business, and Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.1 Describe how different needs are met in different ways by government, business, civil society, and family.
      2. Benchmark MS.5 Explain why economic freedom is important to the civil society sector.
  2. Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
    1. Standard PCS 01. Self, citizenship, and society
      1. Benchmark MS.3 Give political and historic reasons why civil society groups have formed in the nation and world.
    2. Standard PCS 05. Philanthropy and Government
      1. Benchmark MS.9 Describe the role of public interest groups in a democratic government.
    3. Standard PCS 06. Philanthropy in History
      1. Benchmark MS.2 Give an example of individual philanthropic action that influenced the nation's history.
  3. Strand PHIL.III Philanthropy and the Individual
    1. Standard PI 01. Reasons for Individual Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.10 Identify reasons why historic figures acted for the common good.