A lesson on the fundamentals of donating and charity, from understanding its importance to making informed donations. Students learn how to make contributions more effective, and discover how your individual efforts, whether monetary, time, skills, or resources, can significantly impact society.

Learn the essentials of charitable giving and delve into what a charity is and why supporting these organizations is crucial to tackling many societal issues. Discover how charities not only raise money for pressing concerns but also foster community bonds and social responsibility. You’ll gain insights into how to choose a cause close to your heart and identify a reputable organization through online resources. We also provide a step-by-step guide on making informed and intentional donations, including deciding on the right donation amount, making the donation, and planning for future contributions. This lesson encourages not only monetary contributions but also donating your time, skills, and resources. Equip yourself with the knowledge to make your contributions count, and understand how your individual efforts can significantly impact the world around you.

CONCEPTS

Use this video lesson on the topic of donating and charities. Learn related concepts of:

• Charitable Giving
• Researching Charities
• Donation Planning
• Donation Process
• Resource Allocation
• Financial Responsibility
• Financial Decision Making
• Responsible Consumption

GRADE LEVEL

7-12th grades. Middle School. High School. College. Adult Education.

TIME REQUIRED

45-60 minutes. It may be necessary to adjust the lesson plan and allocate more or less time to certain topics, depending on the needs and interests of the students.

PROCEDURE

Hand out the worksheet below (see the GET LESSON button near the bottom of the page).

Show students the video and have and have them complete the worksheet.  Review the questions on the worksheet.  A more comprehensive and detailed lesson plan can be accessed below for further instruction and study.

How Do I Donate? What is a Charity

After watching the video, have students tell what the most important things they learned from the video.

 

Lesson Plan: Understanding Charity and Effective Giving

Objective:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to understand the concept and importance of charity, the process of making a donation, and how to select a charity.

Materials Needed:

• The video “How Do I Donate? What Is a Charity?”
• A computer with internet access for each student
• Handouts with discussion questions
• Quiz materials

Lesson Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes):
Start by asking students what they understand by the term ‘charity’. Encourage them to share any personal experiences they have had with charities or donations. After the discussion, provide a brief overview of the lesson.

2. Video Presentation (15 minutes):
Play the video “How Do I Donate? What Is a Charity?”. Ask students to note down any important points or questions that arise while watching.

3. Group Discussion (15 minutes):
Split students into small groups. Hand out the discussion questions to guide their conversation:

• What is a charity and why are charities important?
• How can you identify a cause you’re passionate about?
• What factors should you consider when choosing a charity to donate to?
• How do you decide on the amount to donate?
• What are some ways to donate apart from money?

After group discussions, bring the class back together and ask each group to share their thoughts.

4. Activity: Charity Research (20 minutes):
Have students individually pick a cause they are interested in. They will use the internet to research charities related to their chosen cause. Ask them to use sites mentioned in the video (like Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or the Better Business Bureau) to assess their chosen charities. They should consider the charity’s transparency, effectiveness, and credibility.

5. Activity Debrief (15 minutes):
Ask students to share their chosen charities and why they selected them. Encourage discussion on the findings from their research.

6. Quiz (10 minutes):
Conduct a quiz based on the video to ensure understanding of the topic (see below).

7. Conclusion (5 minutes):
Summarize the main points covered in the lesson. Encourage students to consider making a small donation (if they are capable and comfortable) to their chosen charity as a practical application of the lesson. Remind them that even if they are unable to donate financially, they can contribute their time or skills.

Homework:
Ask students to write a one-page reflection on what they’ve learned about charity and how they plan to incorporate this knowledge into their lives.

Evaluation:
Students will be evaluated based on their participation in discussions, the research activity, their performance on the quiz, and their homework reflection.

Lesson Resources

• How Do I Donate? What is a Charity?