Written by guest Contributor: RosaLee Hagstrom, Associate Director of Curriculum
As homeschool educators, we shape not only young minds but also kind, caring hearts. The holiday season is a wonderful time to emphasize the importance of giving back to our community. There are many opportunities to teach our children valuable lessons in empathy, responsibility, and service while making a real difference in the lives of others.
Here are some meaningful ways your family can get involved and grow together.
Volunteer Together
Volunteering teaches our children the power of kindness and the impact of collective action.
- Food banks: Help sort and distribute food or assemble care packages for families in need. It’s a hands-on way to teach children about food insecurity and community support.
- Shelters: These organizations provide services to those experiencing homelessness. Families can help by preparing sack lunches or donating hygiene kits.
- Animal Shelters: These often welcome volunteers to help care for animals. Teaching compassion toward animals reinforces empathy and responsibility.
Give, Share, and Donate
Encourage your children to identify their own abundance and share it with others. Small acts can create big ripples of kindness:
- Toy Drives: Donate new or gently used toys to local drives. Talk to your children about the joy their gifts can bring to other kids.
- Warm Clothing Donations: Collect coats, scarves, and blankets to donate to shelters or organizations like the Salvation Army.
- Create Care Packages: Assemble care bags with snacks, water bottles, and personal care items to distribute to people in need during family outings.
Learning Through Service Projects
Combine service with learning by integrating giving back into your homeschool curriculum:
- Community Service Journals: Have your children document their volunteer experiences. Reflect on what they learned and how they felt while helping others.
- Research Projects: Assign a project about local nonprofits. Visit the organization, interview staff, and discuss their role in the community.
- Holiday Cards for Seniors: Create homemade cards to bring cheer to residents in assisted living facilities. This small act teaches compassion and creativity.
Outdoor Acts of Kindness
Service doesn’t always have to be indoors. Explore ways to give back while enjoying the beautiful outdoors:
- Community Clean-Up Days: Join local park or neighborhood clean-up efforts. Kids learn the importance of caring for their environment and community.
- Plant a Tree: Participate in reforestation programs or local green initiatives.
Model Kindness and Empathy
Our actions speak louder than words. When our children see us helping others, they learn by example. Then, take time to talk about why giving back is important, to share stories of kindness, and to celebrate your family’s efforts.
By giving back, we nurture the values of empathy, responsibility, and community spirit in our children. As you explore these opportunities together, remember that every small act of kindness plants a seed for a brighter future — both for your family and the world around you.
Wishing you a season filled with gratitude, compassion, and connection.
Sincerely,
Rosalee Hagstrom