A movement is afoot in our country to teach young children
universal messages and values that will reinforce their growth
into kind and caring world citizens. Legislation exists now in
over 30 states to require "character education" in
k-12 classrooms. These standards "teach" such topics
as citizenship, tolerance, charity and others.
Teaching these values can sound preachy unless done in a fun
and open way.
But, if done with care, these lessons can have long lasting
impact and value for both the child and our communities.
Children learn these core values from a young age and here
are some suggestions to help you further teach your child about
giving and charity:
- Be a good role model-as a volunteer and a donor;
- Praise your children for their giving actions;
- Expose children to charity work-take them to your walk-a-thon
and talk to them about your donations;
- Encourage them to see that their kind and charitable acts
can make a difference;
- Find resources to help enroll them in being excited about
charity and giving -- there are some great books and website
that will help you teach charity to your children.
Engaging children in giving and caring is an opportunity to
instill wonderful values.
After spending my whole career running nonprofit organizations
for various causes, I wrote The Giving Book: Open the Door
to a Lifetime of Giving for my 6 year old niece to show
her the power of her actions and the joys of giving. She devoured
it-she was excited, inspired and empowered. If interested in
using this book, feel free to visit our website (www.wateringcanpress.com)
for a free Teacher's Guide with lesson plans and additional fun
activities to use the book in a group setting.
Whether through this book (targeted at 6-11 year olds) or
through other approaches, your focus on reinforcing a child's
concern for their community will help them grow into healthy
and caring world citizens.
- © Ellen Sabin
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