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. Activity ideas are at the bottom of the page.
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 on the right. Reflection Question: How can you give back to the world?
Community Helpers for Kids Video names different community helper jobs and asks kids to repeat the title of each job. Reflection Questions Which community helper do you want to know more about? Can you explain what these community helpers do to help the community?
Community Helpers for Kids Lists and explains the roles and responsibilities of various community helpers. There are trivia questions throughout related to the responsibilities of each job. Reflection Questions What are your responsibilities at home? Which of these community helpers would you like to be and why?
Books
The Littlest Volunteers by Danielle Speckhart This is primarily an audiobook (does not turn the pages during the reading), but it explains what it means to volunteer and be part of a community. Book ends at 6:15. At 6:25, music starts playing for some reason. Suggested Activity - Have students practice visualizing by sketching pictures of the scenes in the book or of one scene that inspired/stuck with them. Reflection Questions How can you help your neighbors? If you could help organize or be part of a volunteer project, what would you be good at? What strengths do you bring to a group?
What To Do With A Chance by Kobi Yamada A child doesn't know what to make of a chance - 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 to take a chance?