Learning to Give, Philanthropy education resources that teach giving and civic engagement
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Philanthropy Lesson (5th)
Purpose:
The students will understand the language of philanthropy and the importance of philanthropy to a community. They will listen to and discuss a literature book about philanthropy in the African American community that will enhance the student’s understanding of the democratic tradition of philanthropy.
Duration:
One 45 to 60 minute class period
Objectives:
The learner will:
- identify examples of philanthropy in the family and community.
- compare volunteer activities people do today with activities done in an earlier time.
Materials:
- Vocabulary List from previous lesson
- Chart paper, markers
- Book: Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt
Teacher Preparation:
Philanthropy has always been deeply rooted in the black community. During slavery “surrogate mothers” informally adopted children who had been torn from their natural mothers. This care of abandoned children has always continued so that it is not unusual to see children being raised by aunts, uncles and grandparents. The sharing of food during slavery is a practice that continues today. Free societies and the church were and are dominant forces in the African American community. Students should be reminded that money is not the only means by which philanthropy exhibits itself in the any community. For more information see the Learning to Give Briefing Paper Black Philanthropy found at
http://www.learningtogive.org/papers/index.asp?bpid=6 and
African American Women and Philanthropy found at
http://www.learningtogive.org/papers/index.asp?bpid=2.
Instructional Procedure(s):
Anticipatory Set:
Ask the students to remember the previous lesson and the vocabulary words they used to create the Philanthropy Vocabulary Quilt. Tell them that the black community has important traditions of philanthropy, some originated from being people who were enslaved. These traditions help strengthen the black community. They are going to hear a story about an African American slave who did a philanthropic act using her quilt making talent.
- Read Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt to the class. Ask students, how did family members/friends show caring and sharing toward one another? Lead a discussion about family and friends interactions, needs, wants, caring, sharing, and jobs within the family.
- Ask students to think of the things that they do in and around school and home to help out. Ask them how they feel after doing these things. When they are doing these things, do they think that they are performing a service for others, that they are strengthening that community group, that they are being philanthropic? Why or why not? What are some of the things that students can do to help others in the communities to which they belong that do not require payment?
- Arrange the students into groups of three to four and have them work on charts entitled, “Caring, Sharing, and Volunteering”. Divide the chart into two columns entitled “At School” and “At Home.” Have the teams list jobs that they can do in these two places that show caring, sharing and volunteering to enhance their family community or their school community.
- Invite the teams to compare their charts with the other groups to create on master chart.
Bibliographical References:
- Hopkinson, Deborah. Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt. New York: Dragonfly Books, 1993.
Lesson Developed By:
Sally Engleman CioeReeths-Puffer Schools
McMillan Elementary School
Muskegon, MI 49445
Handouts:
Unit Contents:
Overview:Our Philanthropic Tradition:
Intro. to Philanthropy Unit (5th) Summary
Lessons:
- 1.
- Philanthro What?: Philanthropy Lesson (5th)
- 2.
- Getting the Hang of Philanthropy:
Philanthropy Lesson (5th)
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