Through multiple visits to a retirement home, letter writing, or by inviting seniors to an event, children learn effective communication, sensitivity to people of different generations, and shared experiences while learning about the common good and stewardship.
Young people prepare for their visit to the retirement home by writing an autobiography. They work together to come up with questions to ask their senior friends.
This lesson introduces the "Living History Project." We begin with sensitivity training, as a pre-service reflection and to help volunteers understand possible needs, disabilities, and attitudes of people with whom they will be working. The training leads children to understand...
The children write and publish their Living History books, following their interview notes and book format traditions.
This lesson is a celebration to culminate this intergenerational project. The children make a final visit to the senior center or retirement home where all the participants gather for a snack and a farewell celebration. The children read aloud and give their published Living History Books to...
Giving homemade blankets to help people who are homeless or young people in the hospital is a form of philanthropy (giving treasure). What is the best way to donate? Using a decision-making model, the young people compare blanket projects and determine whether they have the time,...
Participants use langauge and art to illustrate the vocabulary of philanthropy and the importance of the tradition of philanthropy to the community.
Young people identify examples of philanthropy in a classic piece of literature. Note: One handout has Biblical applications of the storyline.
This lesson explores the contributions made by Clara Barton as a nurse and founder of the American Red Cross. Her work is an example of the women from the Industrial Era making a difference through contributions to society. This lesson incorporates a service project connecting youth to the Red...
This lesson introduces the origin and purpose of Kwanzaa. Young people make a kinara, or candle holder, to use for the rest of the unit as they learn about the seven principles of Kwanzaa.