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 Lake Forest’s Montessori on the Lake school is a firm believer in this ideal. For the past four years, the Montessori faculty and students, ranging from 3 months to eighth grade, have transformed their playground into a track stadium for their annual jog-a-thon. The mission isn’t to raise funds for new textbooks or to earn money for a school pizza party. These students are raising money to give away. About 400 children at Montessori on the Lake participate in this charity event – half of them are not yet in elementary school – to raise money for needy children around the world. Stacey Constantian, president of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), hopes that by starting the kids volunteering early, charity will become a natural part of their everyday lives. “Discovering charity makes the kids more involved with the whole world,” says Constantian. “They become more aware that they can make a difference.” Beyond the staples of learning geography and arithmetic, instilling charity in our children is important in expanding their world view. By encouraging them to step beyond their textbooks and become more charitable, we can provide our children with an invaluable learning experience. The opportunities to become involved in charity have become increasingly available in many areas of kids’ lives that we may not be aware of, especially at school. Many schools take advantage of the “giving seasons,” like Christmas, to raise toys and gather food for the less fortunate around them. It is at times like these that kids are exposed to the real needs of others. Then there are group activities kids can get involved in like the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America that take them to retirement homes or soup kitchens to involve them with hands-on charity work. All of the charity projects that schools organize help expand their view of the world.  Children also take notice of adults at their local church or community center giving back. From canned food collections to blood drives, they witness people coming together to give of themselves for others in a variety of different ways. Many local churches gather children and families to participate in charity events that travel to Mexico, donating toys and food as well as building homes and community centers. Others write and mail letters to American troops in Iraq. The most important area of learning, however, is at home. Studies have shown that children learn to adapt their lifestyle to what they see from those who raise them: their parents. When a child sees her parent give back, she will try to model that same behavior. A child will take notice of her parent participating in the money collection for the poor at church or donating old clothes to the Salvation Army, and try to mimic that behavior. With charity opportunities surrounding our children in so many areas of their lives, especially at home, it is up to us to make sure they take advantage of the many resources. And it’s not as difficult or daunting a task as it may seem. Here are a few ways to encourage your kids to give back to others: Find a charity you and your family can identify with, whether it be helping animals or working at a soup kitchen. Charity is as exciting as you make it. Make charity an event more relevant for the kids by including their areas of interest in their work. Be open minded. Let your kids decide which causes they feel are important. Let them feel independent and involved in the project. Research volunteer opportunities. Don’t just donate money. Be proactive, allowing your kids to see the hands-on impact they are having. Turn charity into a family event. Have a board game night, and make brainstorming ideas a part of the family activity. Invite others to get involved. Set up a carpool with classmates or neighborhood friends. Volunteering doesn’t have to be all work and no play; turn charity into a play date. Source: eHow •> Charity begins at Home Easy and fun ways to give to others: 1. Give to the Salvation Army. Help your kids sort through their old clothing. Donate items that they no longer need. 2. Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Get kids involved with their community. Make volunteering a family affair. 3. Donate allowance. A few pennies saved up each week go a long way. 4. Create a lemonade stand or hold a garage sale. Let kids get creative, designing their own posters to advertise. Beth Hartnett is an editorial intern for OC Family. |
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