Holiday Classroom Outreach Opportunities
December is great month to teach your students about the gift of giving! So many times kids get the message that the holidays are about ourselves and getting what we want but, really it's about so much more! Children need to be involved in discussions about how to care and give to others. Read texts about generosity, empathy, and serving others. Here are some ideas for giving back with your students this season!
The Christmas Jar
The Christmas Jar tradition is based on the novel written by Jason Wright. A Christmas Jar is a jar of some sort that is used to collect spare coins and bills. Students contribute to the jar through the month of December and then on Christmas Eve the jar is delivered to a family that is in need in your area. The jar is left anonymously to help the family with any expenses they have. This activity teaches generosity and to think of others before themselves. For more information about the Christmas Jar, visit http://christmasjars.com/ .
Leave a Friendly Note in a Library Book
Start a kindness epidemic in your school! Have students write friendly letters to fellow students and place the letters inside library books. Students will return the library book to the school library and when another student checks out the book, they can read the friendly note left behind. Challenge your campus to write friendly letters each time they receive one, to replace the one they found in their library book. This activity teaches empathy and passing on kindness to others.
Nursing Home Caroling
Sometimes the elderly can feel forgotten during the holidays, but you can be the change that will brighten their season ! Organize a time for your students to visit a local nursing home or invite elders to your classroom to hear Christmas carols. Students will practice their fluency by reading and rehearsing festive tunes. Then schedule a performance day! Discuss with the students the importance of thinking of other's feeling and always making sure to reach out and make someone feel special.