"No one has yet fully realized the wealth of sympathy, kindness and generosity hidden in the soul of a child. The effort of every true education should be to unlock that treasure." -- Emma Goldman
Teaching Kids To Pay It Forward
"This past holiday season, I wanted to teach my kids the meaning of Pay it Forward in an effort to spread a little kindness in our community. And it worked.
The first day of winter break I told my kids I had something special planned for them, to hurry up and get dressed. I partnered with my good friend, so her kids were in on it too. We sat them down, plunked a $20 bill on the table and told them we were going to try to show kindness to as many people as we could with as little as $20.
Silence. And a bunch of confused faces stared back at me. You see, these kids thought “special” meant something for them, like ice skating or going to a movie.
So we launched into the meaning of Paying it Forward." [read more]
The first day of winter break I told my kids I had something special planned for them, to hurry up and get dressed. I partnered with my good friend, so her kids were in on it too. We sat them down, plunked a $20 bill on the table and told them we were going to try to show kindness to as many people as we could with as little as $20.
Silence. And a bunch of confused faces stared back at me. You see, these kids thought “special” meant something for them, like ice skating or going to a movie.
So we launched into the meaning of Paying it Forward." [read more]
Reading Corner
Name: The Spiffiest Giant in Town
By: Julia Donaldson
Ages: 3 - 7
"When George the giant spies a shop full of wonderful clothes, he decides to treat himself to a new outfit. He puts on his new shirt, pants, shoes, and tie, and is immediately transformed from the scruffiest giant in town to the spiffiest giant in town. But on his way home, George runs into various animals who need his help. And little by little, George finds himself giving away all his new purchases. From the creators of Room on the Broom, this is a lively tale that reminds readers that sometimes it's what's inside a person-or a giant-that matters most." - Publishers
By: Julia Donaldson
Ages: 3 - 7
"When George the giant spies a shop full of wonderful clothes, he decides to treat himself to a new outfit. He puts on his new shirt, pants, shoes, and tie, and is immediately transformed from the scruffiest giant in town to the spiffiest giant in town. But on his way home, George runs into various animals who need his help. And little by little, George finds himself giving away all his new purchases. From the creators of Room on the Broom, this is a lively tale that reminds readers that sometimes it's what's inside a person-or a giant-that matters most." - Publishers
Recommended by Cubs Editors
Be the Change
A New Year is a great way to kick-start new ideas and visions for the year to be more grounding, productive and thoroughly endearing. How about making this new year as Random Acts of Kindness / Pay It Forward Year as a family. To start with, here's a list of super simple and fun ways to celebrate 52 weeks of kindness acts. You could use one idea per week or commit to one idea for a whole week as a family and journal your year with your kids. You'll be surprised to witness the little gifts of life that show up a year from now.
Need more Ideas? Check this out.
Need more Ideas? Check this out.
