November 19, 2018
Giving Tuesday in the Classroom
Get caught giving. Create a charitable classroom by trying one of these #GivingTuesday ideas.
According to the website, “#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration.” The annual event falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving — this year, Nov. 27.
#GivingTuesday provides a focused opportunity to give back both in our personal and professional lives. As educators, we understand the importance of modeling kindness and compassion for students. When we choose to participate, we model the importance of action and the impact it has on the community. Try one of these (attainable) ideas in your classroom:
1. Participate in Learning to Give’s #TeachOne Campaign
This campaign focuses on teaching a lesson in philanthropy that is followed by a service project. Each lesson is written by a K-12 teacher, and includes service projects that are both impactful and feasible. The activities include a lesson plan and a PowerPoint to support the work. These lessons teach students that they too are philanthropists with something to give (time and talent included). The website also provides an opportunity for teachers to apply for mini grants to extend their service learning project. Don’t forget to share and learn from others on social media using the hashtags #TeachOne and #GivingTuesday.
2. Connect with Community Organizations to Support #GivingTuesday
The Giving Tuesday website houses a list of groups in your community that are participating in the annual event. Find an organization that interests your students and connect. Propel students to learn more about the group's work by inviting a representative into the classroom or scheduling a service learning field trip.
3. Give Talent and Time at School
Does the hopscotch grid need to be repainted? Is there trash on the playground? Have students identify ways they can give back to their school community. This is a great time to discuss philanthropy, which shows students they have talents that can impact their school community.
4. Connect with Classrooms on Social Media
#GivingTuesday is fueled by social media, which is used to connect classrooms across the world. Students can learn from each other about ways they are giving back in their connvarchar(max)s. You may want to team up with the class to work on a service learning project together, such as creating care packages, promoting, planning, and running a food drive, etc. Share how collaboration with other students, in a different place, can broaden philanthropic reach and impact.
5. Start A Fundraiser
What interests your students? What needs are present in the community? How can students impact the need? You and your students may want to start a community fundraiser. Showcase student talents by having an art show, or hosting a bake sale or farmer’s market. These initiatives can easily be connected to the learning happening in class. As a classroom teacher, my grade level held an annual Kindergarten Farmer’s Market, donating all proceeds to a food bank in time for Thanksgiving.
Share in the comments how you plan to engage students in #GivingTuesday.
