1st Grade Students Brighten the Birthdays of Children in Need

Union Academy's 1st grade classes partner with Bright Blessings, a non-profit organization that cares for the needs of homeless and impoverished children in the greater Charlotte area. According to Cynthia Mitchell, first grade teacher, “This partnership focuses on the character trait of compassion. At the beginning of the year we introduce the trait to students through reading and writing.”  The team of first grade teachers then use this trait to educate the students on the needs of others in the community and the students’ ability to make a difference.  “At this young age, teachers want students to start thinking outside of themselves and start thinking about words like grateful, thankful, caring, giving, etc.  This theme of compassion is carried throughout the year whether working on service projects in the classroom, writing, reading literature, or visiting the Bright Blessings location itself,” said Mrs. Mitchell.

One of the main ways first grade students serve the community and learn the implementation of compassion is through Bright Blessings’ Bless-a-Birthday program.  This program provides presents and parties to children who do not have the financial means to celebrate their birthdays. Throughout the school year and as needs arise, first graders collect specific needs for Bless-a-Birthday such as gifts, juice boxes, cookies, lollipops, and other party supplies.  The first grade students at Union Academy do in-class projects for the program by making gift wrap and bookmarks that will be used to help celebrate the birthdays of these children.  Twice a year, first graders visit the Bright Blessings location in Matthews, North Carolina where they tour the facility and receive an update on growing needs and projects.  While at the facility, the first graders have an opportunity to do hands-on service such as making gift bags for parties or decorating gift wrap.

In addition to using this service project as a tool for learning compassion, reading, and writing, the first grade teachers also tie the project to First Grade Social Studies Essential Standards.  Standard 1.E.1.3 expects students to understand how supply and demand affects the choices families make, including why people cannot have everything they want. Discussing the causes of homelessness and poverty helps students understand why people often prioritize choices based on wants and needs.  Students recognize that birthday celebrations are a want and not a need.  Discussion on this essential standard allows the children to see how they can help fulfill this want for those less fortunate and make a difference in the community. 

 “This is a meaningful project for this age group because they are helping children just like themselves. This consistent connection to being kind and caring towards others is an important part of the whole C-A-R-R-O-T P-I, and developing the character of the students,” stated Mrs. Mitchell.