Objective

Giving students a chance to examine altruism and connectedness to a greater community by using skits and art.

Materials

Drawing paper, markers and/or colored pencils and/or crayons writing paper, pencils envelope for cards and letters

Activity

1. Ask the class: Who would help you if you were in trouble? Write ideas on board or big paper.
2. Writing in journals or discussing in pairs have students, consider the following questions: Would someone help you even if the person didn't know you? Why or why not?
3. Debrief on big paper or board under possible heading: Strangers Who Would Help Us
4. Divide class in small groups. (The skits can be optional; some may choose to examine a possible scenario in more detail on paper.) Purpose of the skits is to help stimulate students' imaginations. Some students imagine and intuit much better by acting something out. Assignment for skits: Groups, set up and act out a short situation where someone is being helped by a stranger.
5. Skits are performed for the class. General class debriefing follows. Possible discussion topic: How did it feel to be the helper? How did it feel to be the helped? Do you think it is easier to be the helper or the helped?
6. Next skit assignment: Now groups set up a short situation where it's a matter of life and death. The people or person helping others could possibly risk their lives.
7. Skits are performed in front of the class. Possible debriefing questions: Do you think it would be difficult to help someone you don't know in the situations represented here? Use examples of specific skits if students are having difficulties.
8. Class brainstorm: What kinds of help and support are there? (Be sure and include support that we have received and given to others.) Write class list on board or on chart paper. Other questions: Should those who live far away help us?
9. Write a poem or draw a picture of how you may have affected the world (or your school, your neighborhood, your country or your family) for the positive. Your drawing or poem can be symbolic or literal. Assume you have had some positive affect so far, but if you are stuck, how might you help people in the future?
10. Something we can do today: Over the web, word is getting out that the firefighters in NYC are "in despair" and "increasingly desperate". They are reading cards from people during their "off hours." Words of encouragement and thanks are being read. Write a letter of thanks, draw a picture, what ever you feel would be appropriate and supportive.
    
    Here is the address to pass onto others:
    

    Uniformed Firefighters Association
    204 East 23rd Street
    NY, NY 10010

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