EatMoveGrow

A Focus on Social Emotional Learning

FOCUS ON GIVING

This month EMG will focus on the SEL concepts of giving and generosity. The holiday season is an excellent time to impress upon students the spirit of giving and that giving does not always include material things. Teaching students about giving is a great way to encourage them to have empathy and show compassion for others. It also provides many health benefits. When done regularly, giving to others boosts physical health, happiness, and a sense of well-being.

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I Can Give in Many Ways!

This time of year, there is an emphasis on shopping and spending. Exchanging gifts is enjoyable, but giving your time and effort to help someone is extremely rewarding. Look for opportunities to help students understand the spirit of giving and how they can give generously. Children might need guidance to help them recognize the needs of others, but they quickly begin to start seeing those needs themselves. As they begin giving, they will experience joy and satisfaction that is contagious.

The EMG "Giving in Many Ways" ornaments and the"My Giving Tree" activity encourages students to think of the different ways they can help others at home, school, and in their community, and take care of themselves through self-care. If we take good care of ourselves, we are emotionally equipped to take good care of others.

Students can use their ornaments to decorate their own Giving Tree. Click here to access the lesson and activity sheets.

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Brighten Your Day with Giving

The more you give, the brighter your light shines! Giving to others and being generous by giving abundantly does not have to include material items. Giving your time, effort, encouragement, and kindness is extremely beneficial to everyone. Children often need suggestions to get started. As they experience the joy of giving, they will continue to give and shine brightly.

Encourage students to think of ways they can give without giving a material item. Share examples such as helping with a chore, lending a pencil, encouraging a friend who is struggling, sharing a kind word, or doing an act of kindness. Giving in this way will spread joy to others, but will bring even more joy to the one who gives.

Students can decorate their bright lights with ways they can give to others. The class can share ideas and display these lights by hanging them as a String of Lights or decorating a Christmas Tree. Click here to access the lesson and the activity sheet.

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GoNoodle Activity that Encourages Giving

Click here to participate in a mindfulness activity that encourages students to think about the ways they can give to others.

GoNoodle has some great SEL resources to share with you! Click on curricular resources at the top of the GoNoodle bar to find two sites with SEL activities. On the Channel tab, you will find All The Feels, which has resources to support students' mental and social growth; Think About It, which has breathing exercises to help students focus and regroup during the day; and Empower Tools, which has fun activities that energize the body and mind.