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Avoiding Reality

Grades: 
6, 7, 8
Subjects: 
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Social Studies
Keywords & Concepts: 
Character Education: Honesty
Common Good

Learners reflect on issues that people tend to avoid facing because they are difficult situations. They write an honest reflection on issues they can take action to address.

Duration 
PrintOne 20-minute lesson
Objectives 

The learner will:

  • brainstorm issues that people may be hiding from in their community.
  • write about taking personal action for an issue.
Related Resources 

Instructions

Print

  1. Read the following aloud:

  2. Do you recall the childhood game of peek-a-boo? It’s where a young child covers their eyes and assumes that because they do not see you, you do not see them. We chuckle about this game because we know that what the child assumes is just not true. We play along anyway. It’s fun!

    In the animal world, the ostrich is said to “bury its head in the sand.” We use this metaphor for people who want to avoid reality. We say that people who "bury their head in the sand" choose not to see the reality of a given situation or circumstance. Sociologists say that this is one way many people choose to look at world hunger. They cover their eyes and pretend not to see the problem, hoping that no one will require them to part of the solution to this problem. Or they "bury their heads" in the sand in an effort to avoid having to see the problem for what it is. That way they don’t feel the need to be involved in being part of the solution to the problem.

  3. Brainstorm a list of issues in the community or world that the group recognizes as needs.

  4. Ask the learners to write in their journals about what they can do to honestly face global or personal issues. Encourage them to think of things they can do to take action or raise awareness about one issue.

Philanthropy Framework

  1. Strand PHIL.I Definitions of Philanthropy
    1. Standard DP 01. Define Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.1 Define philanthropy as individuals and organizations providing their time, talent, and/or treasures intended for the common good throughout history and around the world. Give examples.
      2. Benchmark MS.4 Give examples of how individuals have helped others.
    2. Standard DP 02. Roles of Government, Business, and Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.2 Give examples of needs not met by the government, business, or family sectors.
  2. Strand PHIL.IV Volunteering and Service
    1. Standard VS 01. Needs Assessment
      1. Benchmark MS.1 Identify a need in the school, local community, state, nation, or world.
    2. Standard VS 02. Service and Learning
      1. Benchmark MS.1 Select a service project based on interests, abilities and research.