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.
