Dr. Jane realizes the
support of her family and friends has helped her achieve many
goals. She has encouraged this support by keeping these people
involved in her life. Even when she was thousands of miles away
in Africa, she communicated what she was doing and inquired
about the lives of her loved ones through letters. In addition
to people, Dr. Jane found support through animals, books, music,
and her faith. Sometimes it’s difficult for students to
remember all the possible sources of encouragement. They can
view Dr. Jane’s tree
to remind them that there are many places they can seek support
to help them achieve their dreams.
Duration
40 minutes and one optional, 20-minute, out of class activity
People do not achieve their dreams
alone. They need others to support them and interests from
which they draw inspiration. Students contemplate and nurture
their support system. Then they list people and interests
that motivate them and write letters to one of their supporters.
This emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships
in their personal lives and their future professional lives.
They can then continue to build their trees by adding the
names of their supporters to the roots.
Procedure
Direct students to make a list of the people who support
them. This might include relatives, caregivers, friends,
coaches, teachers, and neighbors. It could also include
animals. Do they have a favorite piece of music, art, or
poem, or a place in nature where they like to spend time?
Have them add all of these to their tree roots.
Ask them to write a thank you letter to someone on this
list to let the person know they are thinking of him or
her.
For an optional, out-of-class activity, have students
create a calendar of important dates such as birthdays,
anniversaries, and other celebrations of their supporters.
This will help them remember these dates every year.
Invite students to send an e-card
to their supporters for the supporters’ birthdays
or other special days.
Students complete their journal entries by reflecting
on the message in “Reason, Season, or Lifetime Friends”
and explaining why they wrote letters to the people they
selected.
Assessment
Have students:
explain how the people and things on their lists have
supported them.
indicate why they wrote a letter to the special person
they selected.
demonstrate why it is helpful to remain in contact with
their supporters and why it is important to acknowledge
the interests that give them joy and inspiration.
Extensions
Students may want to learn about another
person’s life and how that person gained support from
other people and interests.
Terms
D-Day – Also known as the Invasion
of Normandy. On June 6, 1944, Allied forces invaded German-held
territory across the English Channel on the shores of France.
The invasion resulted in the opening of two ports, allowing
soldiers and equipment to move into France to support the
Allied force. It marked a significant turning point in World
War II and aided in the eventual defeat of Hitler’s
armies.
Sir Winston Churchill – (1874-1965)
A British statesman, soldier, and author. One of the most
influential leaders of the 20th century, he served as Prime
Minister of England during World War II.
