Materials Needed:

A copy of "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein or

A copy of "If You Had to Choose, What Would You Do?", by Sandra McLeod Humphrey

Paper and Pens for students.

Purpose of Lesson:  After reading either of these books, children will reflect on the nature of responsibility and how they can take greater responsibility for themselves and for those around them.

Length of lesson:  Two to Three 45-minute periods

• Read aloud either book with children

• Ask them what they think the book is about.

• Note:  The Giving Tree may be difficult for some children.  It is open to wide interpretation and even adults argue about its real meaning.  But keep in mind that the purpose of this lesson is to encourage the process, rather than come up with definitive answers.

• Talk about responsibility

a. What it means.

b. How we show it in daily life.

c. Who we are responsible for.

• Follow up with a writing assignment:  The assignment can be a general piece about what responsibility means in his/her life.  Or, the teacher can provide writing prompts:

Did the boy have any responsibility to the Giving Tree?

What would you have done in the chapter, “His Brother’s Keeper” ("..What would you do book").

• Depending on age group and writing level, students should be given more than a full period to complete writing.

• When completed, students should be invited to share their work.