When we take action for the common good, we give up something: a little time or money that might have been spent on something else. Youth explore different forms of sacrifice for the common good and answer the question: When is a sacrifice justified and necessary, and when is it too much or a...
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Unit: Common Good in Aztec Culture
Unit: Do Not Stand Idly By (Private-Religious)
A concept known in Hebrew as tikkun olam practices the idea that everyone must play a role in perfecting the world. Modeling the concept of tikkun olam as a collaborative effort helps youth understand that they can shape their surroundings.
Unit: Teaching Tolerance (Private-Religious)
This lesson emphasizes the importance of respecting others and their opinions. Activities explore aspects of friendship and compromise.
Unit: Watch Me Grow
Through a story in which a child inspires her neighborhood to improve a vacant lot, young people recognize that they can have a positive impact on others. They brainstorm a philanthropic project to benefit the school or larger community.
Unit: Cinderella Stories
Students read an African version of the Cinderella story so that they can compare versions and increase their sense of story.
This lesson introduces the characteristics of fairy tales as a genre. The children explore positive and negative character traits and universal themes in the story of Cinderella. The service plan is introduced in this lesson and carried out over the next weeks.
Unit: Soup's On in Our Community
In this lesson, young people identify idioms in the book Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen. They discuss the meanings of idioms and talk about hurtful language in the literal meaning of some idioms. They may playfully modify idioms to reflect a philanthropic heart.
Unit: Grow Involved K-2
Children learn about caring and sharing through discussion of the book Martin's Big Words. The lesson introduces the "big" word philanthropy (giving time, talent, and treasure for the common good).
Unit: Living in a Community: Intro. to Philanthropy
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.
Unit: Our Land
Introduce the folksinger Woody Guthrie and his legendary song This Land Is Your Land. His songs were written for everyone to get involved in their community. Learners understand that it is the responsibility of everyone to help take care of each other and the Earth.