Success Of Giving In The Classroom – 365give Membership Story

Giving in the classroom is part of our students learning about community, empathy, compassion and good citizenship. This is another 365give membership story shared by a school teacher in the United States. Christina Peters from the Cella Adriana Educators Hollingworth School in New York has explained in her story how her classroom has changed once they started giving and shared some of their giving ideas. Christina and her class have been very active members on the 365give platform and we thank them for their ongoing support. We hope that other teachers see how easy it is to implement the 365give Challenge into their classrooms and reap the rewards of leadership, happiness and compassion. They have even spread giving inspiration to other classrooms in their school!

How Giving Makes Classrooms Happier With The 365give Challenge

This story comes directly from Christina Peters.

As a Special Needs teacher, I am always looking for new ways to keep my class engaged while teaching. When I first stumbled upon Jacqueline’s Tedx Talk and learned about 365give, I was introduced to a great opportunity to teach the positive rewards that come with small acts of giving to my students.

We’ve made sure to diversify our gives to reach other students and staff in the school as well as outside organizations. Some of my favourite things my students have done for the school have been making ‘cozy corner’ colouring books, sharpening pencils for other classrooms, helping with cafeteria cleanups and making bracelets to give to other students as a spirit boost. We worked together to surprise Mr. Ricky, our schools custodian, on his birthday by making him cards that celebrate and show appreciation for all he does in our school.

As for outside organizations, we’ve participated in NYC’s “Knock Knock Give a Sock” sock drive where we donated over 50 pairs of socks. For another give we collected toys to contribute to the Toys for Tots drive, and gathered household or non-perishable food items that we donated to families in Haiti. One week we even made dog treats for a local Animal Rescue!

I have seen a huge shift in energy throughout my classroom since doing the 365give challenge. The challenge has empowered my students to make a positive difference in the schools community and beyond. My students have been given the opportunity to take on leadership roles that I have seen cause a ripple effect throughout the entire school. It has also brought out traits of generosity, compassion and thoughtfulness to the forefront of their minds each day, which has left them beaming with confidence and enthusiasm to keep on doing small acts of giving. I have even noticed myself more joyful and enthusiastic for each workday. Overall, the 365give challenge has been nothing short of amazing for my students, and I am so grateful for all of the inspiration and support everybody at 365give has provided throughout it.

Benefits of Giving In The Classroom For Schools and Teachers

The benefit of teaching giving to our students at all grade levels is overwhelming positive for teachers and students participating in the giving program. There are benefits to students and schools, and benefits to teachers and parents. In each case everyone wins when it comes to giving.

The benefits to students and schools are the following:

• Improves academic performance
• Provides students with a sense of ownership in their educaton
• Increases positive social behaviour
• Instills compassion and empathy
• Encourages communication and collaboration
• Develops lifelong critical thinking and problem-solving skills with solution-focused outcomes
• Promotes a sense of Global Citizenship
• Reduces bullying & violence
• Decreases emotional stress and increases optimism

The benefit to teachers and parents are the following:

• Integrates and enhances daily class curriculum  for teachers
• Embraces the core competencies outlined by the Ministry of Education
• Teaches critical thinking, communication, and personal & social skills
• Enriches collaboration skills and creativity
• Provides tools that incorporate key learning strategies
• Inspires participants to perform at their best
• Engages participants and motivates them to take initiative
• Encourages positive behaviour
• Improves the climate in class, at home, and in other group settings
• Empowers all members to participate

This 365give membership story is a snapshot of how one classroom benefitted from the 365give Challenge. With hundreds of classrooms and schools involved in the program, imagine the good that is being spread around the globe as teachers and students commit to giving. Do you have a story about giving at your school? Have you experienced the happiness and well-being that results from giving either as a giver or a receiver? Share your story with us, and we would love to share it with our readers. If you have not started your giving journey check out our 365give Challenge and start giving! We have an easy to implement and follow giving program for schools and classrooms. It truly is as easy as 1, 2, 3 and changes the world!