Learning to Give, Philanthropy education resources that teach giving and civic engagement

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Helping Others with a Garden
Lesson 2:
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Lesson
Handouts
Academic Standards
Philanthropy Framework
3rd-5th Grade
Subjects:

Language Arts, Library / Technology, Philanthropy and Science

Key Words/Concepts click to view
ELA: Grandpa’s Garden; Response to Text/Others; Universal Themes
PHIL: Common Good; Environmental Stewardship; Garden; LEAGUE Wildcard Lesson: Environment; Nature; Volunteer
SCI: Ecosystems; Environment
SOC: 4 genOn

Purpose:

Students will analyze how a garden helps others in ways that are not always thought of when thinking of a garden. They will see that a garden is to be shared.

Duration:

Three Thirty-Minute Class Periods

Objectives:

The learner will:

  • describe at least three purposes of a garden.
  • explain the importance of gardens to the lives and health of people.
  • use the vocabulary of gardening.

Materials:

  • The Book: Grandpa's Garden by Shea Dorian (see Bibliographic References).

Instructional Procedure(s):

Anticipatory Set:

Ask students what they know about gardening. As students respond, place any gardening terminology they use on the board.

  • Go over each term that was listed on the board and define each. Students may use their prior knowledge or may refer to dictionaries. Add terminology as needed.
  • While it is true that some people grow gardens for food, there are other reasons why people grow gardens. Ask students to list as many purposes of a garden as they can.
  • Giving examples where possible, have students explain the importance of gardens to the lives and health of people.
  • Read Grandpa's Garden by Shea Dorian to the class (see Bibliographic References).
  • Discuss the book from a philanthropic view by asking the following questions:
    • How do Grandpa and the girl give of their time, talent, and treasure?
    • How was this giving philanthropic?
  • Review the story and discuss how the class could do something that is similar that would be philanthropic.

Assessment:

  • Journal entry: Have students write a paragraph describing how the class could do a similar activity. Remind students to explain how this activity would be an example of philanthropy.
  • The teacher may observe class discussion as a form of assessment.

School/Home Connection:

None for this lesson.

Cross-Curriculum Extensions:

At this time, students could begin to plant seeds for their garden. Seeds can be planted in clear plastic cups. The seeds should be pushed in along the side of the cup so students can watch the growth process of the seeds. These seeds will become the seedlings to be planted in the garden later in the spring.

Bibliographical References:

Darian, Shea. Grandpa's Garden. Nevada City, California: Dawn Publications, 1996. ISBN: 1883220416

Lesson Developed By:

Christine Makinen
Kaleva Norman Dickson Schools
Wellston Elementary School
Wellston, MI 49689

Handouts:

Philanthropy Framework:

Comments

Tom, Teacher – Muskegon, MI9/18/2007 11:11:35 AM

This was another good example of literature tied to the common good. Kids need to see and hear numerous examples, fiction and non-fiction to help plant the seed and understanding of philanthropy.

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