The Giving Garland
Engage your children in a fun and meaningful activity that highlights the importance and joy of giving. This creative exercise encourages open-ended conversations about how acts of kindness can positively impact their own lives and the lives of others. Your children will have the chance to brainstorm and carry out their own unique acts of kindness, fostering empathy and a sense of community. Activities like this can leave a lasting impression, shaping how children view the value of helping and giving to others.
Supplies:
- Construction paper or cardstock
- Markers, glitter, stickers, pom-poms, pipe cleaners, etc.
- String or ribbon
- Scissors, glue, or tape
Instructions:
- Cut out shapes (stars, hearts, ornaments, mittens, etc.) for the garland.
- Write or draw an act of kindness on each shape (e.g., “Bake cookies for a neighbor” or “Help clean up after dinner”, “donate gently used toys”, “write letters to community helpers”).
- Discuss your acts of kindness as you create them with questions such as “How would this make someone else feel if they received this act of kindness?” or “How would you feel if you got to do this act of kindness/got to give to this person in this way”
- Decide if you’d like to use this giving garland as a count down and perform an act of kindness from your giving garland up until the day you choose.
- Decorate the shapes together as a family.
- Punch a hole in each shape and string them together to hang around your home.
