March 19, 2020
The first three months of 2020 have been unprecedented for our country and our world. From schools to movie theaters, our once bustling communities are now quiet as we all practice social distancing for the health and safety of others.
Being cooped up at home might sound fun at first but after a couple of days, it is easy for us to start letting loneliness, fear and isolation creep in. For young people, feeling disconnected from the world around them can develop into feeling indifferent about what is happening in our communities and the world. If young people are not actively engaging in the happenings of the schools and communities, they run the risk of feeling indifferent about the challenges and needs of others around them.
But despite the fear and uncertainty, there is good news – this is a great time to help your students and kiddos learn that even though our world feels a little bit out of control right now, they still have the ability to create change and help those in need right from the comfort and safety of their homes! From remote learning to interacting with parents and relatives, kiddos are eager to find ways to engage with the world around them with a philanthropic disposition.
Here are a few easy and fun ways to engage students in giving back while at home:
- Write cards or notes to the elderly – Love for the Elderly has a great project that engages students of all ages in creating fun and caring cards and letters that are shared with older individuals that would love to receive a caring note!
- Kiddos in hospitals would love to receive cards of kindness! Check out Cardz for Kidz!
- Make friends across the world with virtual pen pals! PenPal Schools is offering free access for you and your students to connect and collaborate with other schools around the world.
- Use your voice for good! Encourage students to use their parent-approved social media accounts (under adult supervision) to share uplifting messages to their followers and the world!
- Have your kiddos set up a blessings box outside of your house and stock it with cleansers and snacky snacks for your neighbors.
- Leave a note or card for your Amazon, UPS, FedEx or Postal Service delivery person and thank them for all they are doing to help during this time!
It is easy to give in to the feeling of being out of control – but we can control how we respond to this challenging time and we can inspire young people to lean into the uncertainty and use their time, talent and treasure for good!
Do you have other activities that you are using to inspire you kiddos or students to be givers from home? We want to know! Share your activity ideas with us!