For Teachers Use the following videos, read alouds & literature, and student action plan sheets to teach your students about volunteering, making a difference, and getting inspired to affect positive change. Each video and read aloud has reflection questions to use as you see fit (adjust for age level) and go beyond. We encourage you to have class discussions, writing sessions, and more.
Videos
The Importance of Teaching Kids to Volunteer Austinites volunteer at their local United Way and share their thoughts on the benefits of volunteering. Reflection Question Have you ever volunteered? If so, how did it make you feel?
Kid President Gives Back to the World This is a longer video so feel free to pick and choose the parts to show your students. See video breakdown below.
KP's classic video: "How to Change the World" (0:00-3:00)
Socktober (3:01-5:14)
Impact of a 1st Grade Teacher (5:15-9:26)
KP helps man propose to girlfriend (9:27-11:35)
College students connect with neighborhood kids (11:36-15:34)
KP interviews Beyonce & promotes World Humanitarian Day on Aug. 19th (15:34-18:28)
Reflection Question: How can you give back to the world?
Ted Talk: Kids Can Change the World Dad and son talk about experience of interviewing "change-maker" kids around the country that are making a difference in the world. Reflection Questions What do you love and care about? What events have shaped you the most? What do you want to become? How can you find out about the needs of Austin communities?
TED Talk: Why it is important for kids to volunteer End message: "Dream big and work hard because nothing can be achieved without a plan, no plan can be made without a dream, and no dream can happen without inspiration." Reflection Questions What inspires you? What are your dreams for your life? For your family? For your community?
Read Alouds
Malala's Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai Malala's life story for children that encourages people not to be satisfied with unfairness and that one person can make a difference. Reflection Questions What bothers you? What can you do or make to change it? What role does perseverance play in positively changing the community?
The Mitten Tree by Candace Christiansen About an old lady that knitted mittens for children in her neighborhood (silent volunteering). Reflection Questions Is there any small act of kindness you could do for someone? Do you do anything kind or helpful to anyone without them knowing? What are the benefits and drawbacks to volunteering without recognition?
What to do with a Chance by Kobi Yamada “A child who doesn’t know what to make of a chance encounter—then discovers that when you get brave, take chances, and say yes to new experiences, amazing things can happen.” Reflection Questions What is a chance you are excited about? What are your fears in grabbing it? What small chance do you want to take to better your community? How can you encourage others in taking chances?
Thank You Cards Write a thank you card to a presenter that excited you. Sentence Stems: Thank you for teaching me about...... I had a Text to (self, text, world, media) connection when you talked about..... I am looking now looking forward to..... A step I am now going to take is.......