Children learn what it means to be a philanthropist. They recognize that they belong to many different communities that work together for the common good - classroom, sports teams, interest or faith groups, neighborhood, and friend groups.
We define the vocabulary in the definition of philanthropy through an original song with a familiar tune.
The children learn that even young people can be philanthropists. Philanthropy is giving time, talent, treasure for the good of the community.
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.
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.
The song "This Land Is Your Land" describes many places in the United States in order to call out our wonderful shared places. Young people understand that a country is made up of people living in the same place and working together to keep the...
In this lesson, young people learn the difference between private and public resources and identify areas that are called commons. They discuss whose responsibility it is to take care of those areas and how they are managed.
Children can find poetry everywhere: lyrics to songs, commercials, and on social media. They look for philanthropic themes found in poetry, then write poems with themes of community, generosity, and empathy.
To learn about the different philosophies of three renowned philanthropists.
Image source: John D. Rockefeller in 1885. From Wikimedia Commons. Original source: Rockefeller Archive Center.
Video Clip and Discussion Guide: People have the power as social activists to make a difference for the common good. Sometimes laws and practices are unfair. We use voting, advocacy, and our right to protest to raise awareness and demand justice. This 4-minute video and follow-up questions prompt youth to recall actions of the past that changed laws. Through discussion, young people examine social activism of today and current issues of debate.
