Teachable Moments through Gifts for My First Graders

May 10, 2016 by EmmasDad Leave a Comment

My first graders had just gone to their daily special when my sister walked into my room with a couple of bags in her hands. When I asked why she was visiting she handed me a card saying my students had received a random act of kindness. In the bags were gifts of Play-Doh and sidewalk chalk… and a big bag of Tootsie Rolls! How sweet! My sister went on to explain Emma’s story and how she wanted celebrate her Birthday with others. Wow! (and she thinks I’m the only teacher in the family!)

When my students returned, we gathered on the carpet for a mini lesson on what a random acts of kindness are and some children recalled what they had done in the past. We looked online at Emma’s story and then I explained how they were the recipients of a random act. Of course it got a little loud and exciting when they got their gifts and their sweet treats! I passed out an extra tootsie roll with a challenge… for them to give it away (that’s hard for 6 & 7 year-olds!)

How did I have time to write this email during the school day? Well the class is busy creating cards they will give to others as their own random act!

Thanks Sis. Thanks Emma. You’re both inspirations to my students and to me.

Making a difference for our grandmother.

The Story of “The Flower Girls:” #itallchangedwhen My role models have taught me how powerful kindness is and how far a little kindness can go, so when I became the role models of my little sister and her friend, I made them my priority. I became determined to be that positive role model they needed.continue reading…

Students show act of kindness

Hi there! I am a customer of yours and was truly touched by your story…and so very sorry for your loss. I am a 5th grade teacher in Rockaway, New Jersey and this is my 26th year of teaching. I always try to instill and inspire my students to always give back to others, tocontinue reading…

Amtrak journey

We were on our way to NY on the train when a young mother with 2 boys – under 3 years of age – boarded. She was trying hard to get her family to Chicago from Ft Worth , TX . The kids were acting up bad. So I did all I could to helpcontinue reading…

Full Circle

When we got back from holiday break in January there was a kid missing from my English class for 2 weeks and when I asked I found out his family was in Arkansas with his grandmother who had been diagnosed with cancer. For our January Emma service we found the address and put together acontinue reading…

My golden heart son.

So today, was push mobile day, an annual cub scout activity that the boys have to push this wooden car with a friend sitting on it. Because of some new rules, one of the boys from my son’s group that had arrived late couldn’t participate in the races. He got pretty sad. When they announcedcontinue reading…

It’s going to the dogs….

I live near the state of New Mexico, but I live in Arizona. I heard about a young dog that is in the municipal shelter in New Mexico needing a home. I am trying to find this girl a forever family (she has had 3 in 6 months…) that will provide her unconditional love andcontinue reading…