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Taking on a Task

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

Perseverance involves breaking down a task into small parts and seeing it through, even if it is difficult. In this lesson, groups plan a service project, including what is needed, how to overcome barriers, and a timeline.

Duration 
PrintOne 20-minute lesson
Objectives 

The learner will:

  • work in a group to itemize a plan for an assigned task.
Materials 

One copy of handout Task Cards cut apart so there is one for each group

Related Resources 

Instructions

Print

  1. Move the learners into small groups of four or five. Give each group a task card from the handout. This is something they cannot perform in the current setting. As a group, they identify and list all the supplies, steps, and skills they need in order to complete the task. If they don't have the supplies, they must figure out how to get the supplies.

    Note: They don't need to carry out the tasks, but should divide responsibilities, identify where they will get supplies, and arrange permission for tasks that require it. Their plan should be realistic even if they don't plan to carry it out.

  2. After 10 minutes, ask each group to share their task and their plan, what they felt was the most challenging obstacle to completing the task, and their solution to overcome that obstacle.

  3. Help the learners see that they faced obstacles and found solutions using creative teamwork and innovation.

    Note: Some groups may choose to actually carry out their plans. Help them acquire the appropriate contacts and permissions.

Philanthropy Framework

  1. Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
    1. Standard PCS 01. Self, citizenship, and society
      1. Benchmark MS.4 Describe the characteristics of someone who helps others.
    2. Standard PCS 02. Diverse Cultures
      1. Benchmark MS.2 Describe the importance of hearing all voices in a community and respecting their right to be heard.
      2. Benchmark MS.3 Give an example of how philanthropy can transcend cultures.
  2. Strand PHIL.III Philanthropy and the Individual
    1. Standard PI 01. Reasons for Individual Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark MS.3 Identify and give examples of stewardship in cultural traditions around the world.
      2. Benchmark MS.4 Identify and describe the actions of how citizens act for the common good.
      3. Benchmark MS.5 Describe the responsibility students have to act in the civil society sector to improve the common good.