Legacy-building can begin as early as kindergarten. Day by day and deed by deed, students engage in activities that strengthen their awareness of their community and empower them to play an active role through good deeds and acts of kindness. By allowing young children to cultivate a sense of passion and purpose early on, these resources help students identify and demonstrate their gifts (things they have a knack or talent for), fascinations (topics, issues or activities that hold their interest), and positive character traits (ethical strengths related to "doing the right thing"), preparing them to go on to bigger and better things later in school, and in life.
The Particulars
Everyday People Make A Difference Student Journal: This is My Story about How Everyday People Make a Difference
In a simple and engaging storybook format, the
"legacy" journal allows young children to begin the
journey of self-discovery -- looking inward to record their own
capabilities and reaching outward with a sense of service,
purpose and belief that they can positively impact their world.
Activities in each chapter are
designed
to extend literacy learning and reinforce many of the skills evaluated
through proficiency tests and other standardized assessment measures. A
variety of trade books, which enhance the content and intent of the
program, are recommended.
(Quantity needed: one
per student)
Everyday People Make A Difference
Teaching Guide - Primary Level
The teaching guide offers assistance in easily integrating the primary level of Everyday People Make a Difference into existing curriculum. In addition to teaching suggestions, the guide includes black line masters and background materials about service-learning, character education and career development.
Trade book
recommendations
provide many examples of positive role models and the legacies they are creating, providing a helpful resource forbringing learning to life and supporting teaching efforts.
(Quantity needed: one per teacher)
Celebrating Everyday Heroes
Activity Kit
The kit presents classroom and curricular ideas that spark discussions, help young people honor positive role models and become familiar with the concept of doing things for others -- making a positive difference in life. The kit contains class sets -- 30 each -- of nomination forms to help students recognize Everyday Heroes in their
lives, as well as certificates, posters and black line masters that offer flexibility in utilizing the program, and a teaching guide with curricular extensions.
Celebrating Everyday Heroes can also be used as part of a school-wide celebration.
(Quantity needed: one per class; additional supplies can be purchased separately as needed)
Everyday People Make A Difference
Video
The video is designed to show that young people can and are making a positive difference, both in their own communities and in the world at large. Using real-life school-based service learning projects, the video features student narrators sharing stories about their projects. Your students will see other young people in action, participating in activities that make a difference while enriching the lives of the participants themselves.
(Quantity needed: one per class or school)
The Payoff
"This program has helped my students learn and care about so many important issues, both locally and globally. Even though they're very young, my kids know that they can have an impact, especially when they work together as a team."
Primary School Teacher
"Little people can do big jobs. You don't need to be a grown-up before anybody listens to you. You can be a kid and be responsible only if you try. And I know what that means now."
