This lesson emphasizes the importance of "V’ahavta Lereacha Kamocha – Love Your Friend as Yourself." Children discuss the importance of helping others and will have the opportunity to have firsthand experience in this aspect of tikkun olam.
We define the vocabulary in the definition of philanthropy through an original song with a familiar tune.
Reviewing current political cartoons related to justice, equity, and racism, learners identify how language and humor act as a form of social action. They create their own cartoons or statement promoting or showing the damage of one of these themes.
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.
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).
In this lesson, we explore the role of youth in the advancement of human and civil rights. Young people share ideas about how they can promote the common good and lead positive social changes.
Introduce the folksinger, Woody Guthrie, and his legendary song This Land Is Your Land. Talk about ways we are generous for the good of others. This can be by lifting someone's spirits or taking care of the land we all share.
Young people read about the talents and interests of people who took action for the common good during the Civil War and Reconstruction. The youth identify some of their own talents and match them to nonprofit organizations they can support today.
Clean water is a scarce natural resource because pollution and careless action can make it unusable for consumers. Learners research reliable facts about their local water and propose philanthropic acts to contribute to the common good.