Our school board sets out a Character Attribute initiative each month. During the month of January, our students were to learn about responsibility. Within our Grade 3 classes, we decided to extend this learning, and make it a hands on experience. As we taught our students about the importance of being socially responsible, we developed the idea of donating bedkits to Sleeping Children Around the World.
We learned about this wonderful organization through Laura’s family. Each year, her Grandparents donate bedkits for Christmas presents for their family. Her Uncle has travelled to Bangladesh twice now to distribute thousands of bedkits, and has learned firsthand how far each dollar goes.Our goal was to create an eagerness in our children to help less fortunate children, and show them how truly fortunate they are to have the life they have.
Our goal in each classroom was to raise enough money to donate 5 bedkits each. Instead of just asking their parents for the money, we decided that our students would complete chores for their family and earn this money. This would further their learning about being responsible children. The generosity of our students was overwhelming as they willingly shovelled snow, took care of younger siblings, and helped clean up after supper. Their focus remained strong as they understood that each dollar raised was going to help another child have a good sleep.
Doug MacDougald (Laura’s uncle) was able to come to our school and share with the students what an actual bedkit looks like. They gained a better understanding of what they were working so hard for. Thirty-five dollars goes a lot further in other countries than it does in Canada, so they were thrilled to see how many essential items each child would receive. Doug shared stories of his experiences in Bangladesh, and shared his photographs of what homes look like. He explained that these children
are no different than each of our students. They are children, and all they want is to play, laugh, and be safe.
Our students (Pictured above. Click to see larger image.) made us so proud when our total between our two classes was $700. We were able to buy 20 bedkits! As teachers, the most rewarding experience came when our students truly understood what it means when people say that it is better to give than receive. Our students are thrilled with their accomplishment. Because this was such an amazing experience, we look forward to doing it again next year with our classes.
By: Laura Terpstra and Krista Roy,
Grade 3 teachers,
Upper Thames Elementary School
