Young people perform their puppet plays in order to teach others about environmental issues. They reflect on this project by writing an answer to some essential questions of the unit: What does it mean to be a philanthropist? What does it mean to be an environmentalist?
Participants define what they want to accomplish for the community garden and identify a place that is available and has the right conditions. This requires research and permissions.
This lesson guides students to recognize the importance of taking care of the world by reducing trash. Students will recognize the benefits of recycling and reusing.
Learners reflect on their experience with performing an act of kindness from the previous lesson. They compare their experience to the message in a folktale, and write about the impact of a single small act of caring.
Through four folktales from different parts of the world and wisdom traditions, learners explore how to make decisions in difficult situations. They define discernment and wisdom and give examples of each in real-life situations.
Learners analyze characters in five European folktales, particularly female characters. They analyze what small acts of kindness contribute to both the giver and receiver.
Students learn about the characteristics of an effective personal narrative and compare those to a news article. They do prewriting activities and practice writing details to show rather than tell about an experience.
We examine the Core Values of American Democracy and discuss their importance and where we are exposed to them and practice them throughout life.
Participants gain awareness about the work of local nonprofit organizations through research and by interviewing representatives. They summarize the mission, needs, and impact of the organizations on the community.
This culminating activity gives youth an opportunity to teach about our land to others. They spread the word that "commons" are needed, and that when people work together they can make something better.