Third graders learn over the first several months of school that children can, indeed, make an impact on their communities, both locally and globally. From leading collections to feeding the hungry to helping kids get a good night’s sleep, students start to see that they can make a difference using their own two hands. So, it was fitting that we began our first Third Graders Making a Difference project of 2023 with Ben Harper’s song, “With My Own Two Hands.”
With several service projects already under their belt, and an increased awareness of the inequities in our world, upon returning from winter break, Third Graders learned that they were ready to participate in a unique project. It is our goal to help others every month of the school year, thus growing the habit of giving. So yes, we did something to help others, but that is not what made it unique. What made the project unique is that third graders did it all themselves, and they met the recipients of their donations.
As one third grader said, “Once I heard about this project, I thought, well I was planning ahead, for seeing all those happy faces when we deliver the items. I know I will be happy to see all those happy faces.”
For two weeks students “worked” at home and were paid by their “employers” (aka parents). At the end of the two weeks they shopped for requested items and then brought those items into school. Finally, we took a class trip to the Bergen Family Center (the recipient of this month’s work). Students – and their parents – were able to learn about and tour the Bergen Family Center and meet those who would benefit from their hard work.
When reflecting on this month’s project, another student said, “I like the fact that we’re cleaning our homes and doing chores and at the same time we’re helping people in need.”
Third graders did it all …. They worked, were paid, shopped and delivered the items to those they were helping, and they did it…“with their own two hands.”
