The Spirit of Giving: Fostering Generosity in Schools

Teaching Kids to be Generous

With the holiday season in full swing, it is a great time to teach children about generosity and gratitude. However, developing a servant heart and a spirit of giving is a trait that doesn’t need to end after the holiday is over. By weaving the value of giving into the school environment, counselors can nurture a culture of compassion and kindness that extends far beyond the holiday season.

Here’s how:

Model generosity: Look for ways in your own life that you can be generous to others. Donate money or gifts to a favorite charity. Volunteer your time. Look for small ways that you can lift others up every day in word and deed. Whether it’s helping a teacher or surprising a student with an encouraging note, these actions set a powerful example.

Encourage Empathy: Incorporate empathy-building activities into lessons, helping students understand others’ needs and feelings.

Talk about generosity: Don’t assume that students recognize acts of generosity. Give them words and vocabulary that helps them conceptualize and recognize it on their own. Point out acts of generosity in every day life no matter how large or small. 

Create Visual Reminders: Use bulletin boards to highlight students’ acts of generosity. For example, a “Generosity Tree” can grow with every good deed written on a paper leaf. It is especially important to point out acts of generosity on the part of other children so that kids recognize their own responsibilities and opportunities to be generous. 

Celebrate Giving: Dedicate school events to showcasing generosity, such as hosting a “Kindness Assembly” or recognizing students who go above and beyond in giving.

Benefits of Generosity and Its Role in Today’s World

Generosity doesn’t just help recipients—it benefits givers too. Studies show that acts of kindness can boost mood, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. In a world often marked by divisiveness and self-interest, fostering generosity helps children develop empathy, build stronger social connections, and grow into compassionate citizens. Teaching generosity equips students with the tools to make a positive impact on their communities.

School Counselor Resource

Wyatt the Wonder Dog Learns about Giving

It’s almost Christmas and Wyatt the Wonder Dog is wondering how long he will have to wait until the big day and what gifts he will get.  His mother however, has a more important question, “What will you give for Christmas?”  Join Wyatt as he learns a valuable lesson about how anyone can be generous and giving at Christmas and all through the year.

With Wyatt the Wonder Dog as their guide, children learn the value of generosity and what it means to give from the heart. Lynne Watts deftly weaves this powerful lesson in a delightfully entertaining story sure to appeal to both children and parents.

~ Martha Jane Orlando, author of Children in the Garden

Wyatt the Wonder Dog: Learns About Giving