Learning to Give, Philanthropy education resources that teach giving and civic engagement
generationOn
Purpose:
Duration:
One Thirty-Minute Class Period
Objectives:
The learner will:
- describe how voting rights were extended with the addition of three amendments to the Constitution.
- analyze the importance voting plays in a healthy democracy.
- encourage voter participation.
Service Experience:
Students will create colorful posters that will encourage citizens in their community to “get out” and vote. They will then distribute them in key locations where they will be visible to potential voters.
Materials:
- Student copies of Attachment Two: Voting Amendments to the Constitution (Spanish version, Attachement Four)
- Tagboard (12” x 18”) for each student
- Magic markers
- Student copies of Attachment One: Unit Quiz (Spanish version, Attachment Three)
Instructional Procedure(s):
Anticipatory Set:
Students will take a mock vote to duplicate an election. They will vote on whether they think school hours should be 7:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M., with no recess, or 8:10 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. with a recess. Children will cast their votes on a ballot with boxes that have a YES or NO. Ballots will be collected, tabulated, and results announced to class.
- Discuss the voting procedure and what the results indicate.
- Distribute Voting Amendments to the Constitution (Attachment Two), read the three amendments that deal with voting and discuss their meanings.
- Analyze the importance of the right to vote, its connection and importance in supporting the principles of the Constitution, and developing a healthy democracy.
- Review the definition of philanthropy and brainstorm ways students might support the Constitution by encouraging their parents, family, and community to exercise their right to vote. Lead children to the idea of creating posters, which will remind citizens of the voting date, voting location, and importance of casting their vote.
- Working individually or in teams, have students create colorful, attention-drawing, but clear, posters. When completed, share their posters by displaying them in the room or school.
- With adult supervision, students should distribute posters throughout the community in key locations.
- Ask a representative of the local or county government to speak to the class about the voting process.
- Children will display mastery of key philanthropic concepts and voting knowledge through a Unit Quiz (Attachment One).
Assessment:
- Students’ reflections on the voting process may be used as an assessment.
- Students will take a short quiz on basic voting and philanthropic concepts.
Lesson Developed By:
Rena HelemiakGalesburg Augusta Community Schools
Galesburg Intermediate
Augusta, MI 49012
Terri Westra
North Muskegon Public Schools
North Muskegon Elementary
Muskegon, MI 49445
Handouts:
Handout 1Print Handout 1
Unit Quiz
Fill in the blanks with the correct answers.
- The ________________ Amendment prohibited citizens from being denied the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
- The 19th Amendment to the Constitution gave the right to vote.
- The definition of philanthropy is the giving of _____________________, __________________, and ____________________, and taking private citizen _________ for the common good.
- An example of a nonprofit organization is _______________________________.
- The 26th Amendment to the Constitution gives citizens of the United States the right to vote at the age of __________.
- In order to support our democracy and government, it is very important that I express my opinions by ___________________ in every election.
- Create a paragraph that includes two reasons as to why you believe it is important for you as a citizen of the United States of America to exercise your right to vote. Be sure to restate the question being asked and use complete sentences.
Handout 2Print Handout 2
Voting Amendments to the Constitution
Fifteenth Amendment 1870Voting Rights
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
Nineteenth Amendment 1920
Women’s Suffrage
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.
(In 1924 all Native Americans were declared citizens, but it was not until almost the middle of the 20th century that the last three states, Maine, Arizona and New Mexico, finally granted the right to vote to Indians in their states.)
Twenty-sixth Amendment 1971
Voting Age
The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.
Handout 3Print Handout 3
Prueba de la Unidad
Llena los espacios en blanco con las respuestas correctas.
Handout 4Print Handout 4
Enmiendas de Votación a la Constitución
Derecho a Votar
Sufragio a las Mujeres
Edad para Votar
Unit Contents:
Overview:Our Constitutional Connection Summary
Lessons:
- 1.
- Photo of Philanthropy (A)
- 2.
- Are We the People?
- 3.
- To Vote or Not to Vote? That Is the Question!
All rights reserved. Permission is granted to freely use this information for nonprofit (noncommercial), educational purposes only. Copyright must be acknowledged on all copies.
Comments
(The positive aspect of using this lesson was) outline of amendments related to who has voting rights. It reinforces the importance of voting. Good review of what we discussed in November's election. Unit quiz is comprehensive and students enjoyed it.
(The positive aspect of using this lesson was) the anticipatory set demonstrated the voting procedure and connected it, by use of posters, to an election process in the community.