TEACHER RESOURCES

  • Bring a fishing pole to school. Set the fishing pole out as the teacher reads the story. The teacher can use the fishing pole to point out potential new vocabulary words as the story is read or before reading the story. (ex. line, hook, loop, reel)

  • Writing prompts:

    • Write about a time someone was generous with you.

    • Write about a time you were generous.

    • Write about a special memory you have with a family member. Explain why that memory is special to you.

  • Game:

    • Play catch with something the class is excited about (Ex, a snack bag of goldfish, a fishing lure, or a fish toy.) Put a song on and pause the song after catch has been played for a minute or so. Whoever catches the item when the music stops gets to hold it for a moment. The teacher will say, “Good job. Now, think about someone in the circle who would enjoy that. Can you give it to them?” The class can applaud.

    • Teacher, “It is especially hard to share when you caught it, huh?”

    • This game could be played until everyone gets to enjoy a snack or toy, or just a few times to model generosity.

  • Activity

    • Egg and salt experiment- Fill a clear cup halfway with water (1 cup of water). Place an egg inside. The egg will sink.

      • Teacher: “This egg is an example of someone who feels sad. Let’s try to guess why this person might feel sad.”

      • Class can discuss.

      • Teacher: “Now let’s think of some ways we could be generous to cheer this friend up.”

      • Once the class has discussed some ideas, remove the egg and add ¼ cup salt to the water, one tablespoon at a time.

      • As you add the salt, talk about the generous things you discussed, then stir the water.

      • Place the egg back in and watch it float. Discuss that the egg is now being supported by the generosity of the students.

      • Some things to discuss: “What kind of “water” do you want to be? What kind of “water” do you want to surround yourself with? What kind of classroom can we have when we are generous and kind?”

  • Other ideas for a classroom:

    • Have a secret generosity act for the day to practice and see if anyone in the school notices. (Ex. Give compliments that day.)

    • Gratitude journals

    • Find something to collect as a class that would serve a local need (ex. cans, socks, diapers, etc.)

    • Teach students this song with motions. “Everything I have is a gift from God to enjoy and to share.”