Lesson Plan
Helping Hands, Happy Hearts
Students will be able to define community service and identify at least three ways they can contribute positively to their community.
Understanding community service helps students recognize their ability to make a difference, fostering empathy, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility towards others.
Audience
3rd Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and creative activity.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Helping Hands, Happy Hearts Slide Deck, Community Service Script, My Community Contribution Worksheet, Drawing supplies (crayons, markers, paper), and Community Service Cool Down
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Helping Hands, Happy Hearts Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print copies of the My Community Contribution Worksheet for each student.
- Gather drawing supplies (crayons, markers, colored pencils, paper).
- Ensure whiteboard or projector is ready for display.
Step 1
Introduction: What is a Community?
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students what a "community" means to them.
- Guide a brief discussion about different communities they belong to (school, neighborhood, family).
- Introduce the concept of community service using Helping Hands, Happy Hearts Slide Deck (Slide 1-2) and the Community Service Script.
Step 2
Exploring Community Service
10 minutes
- Present examples of community service using the Helping Hands, Happy Hearts Slide Deck (Slide 3-5).
- Discuss why people do community service and how it benefits everyone.
- Ask students to share ideas of ways they or their families have helped others in their community.
- Use prompts from the Community Service Script to facilitate discussion.
Step 3
My Community Contribution Activity
10 minutes
- Distribute the My Community Contribution Worksheet.
- Explain that students will draw or write about one way they can help their community.
- Encourage creativity and provide examples like helping a neighbor, picking up trash, or being kind to others.
- Circulate and offer assistance and positive feedback.
Step 4
Wrap-Up & Reflection
5 minutes
- Have a few students share their contributions from the My Community Contribution Worksheet (time permitting).
- Conclude with the Community Service Cool Down by asking students to think about one new thing they learned about community service and how it made them feel to think about helping others.
Slide Deck
Helping Hands, Happy Hearts!
Making a Difference Together!
Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of the day. Ask them to think about what 'community' means to them.
What is a Community?
A group of people living or working together.
- Your Family
- Your School
- Your Neighborhood
- Your City/Town
Prompt students to share examples of communities they belong to: school, family, neighborhood. Explain that a community is a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
What is Community Service?
Helping others in your community without getting paid.
- It makes our community a better place!
- It helps people and animals in need.
Define community service in simple terms. Emphasize that it's about helping others without expecting anything in return. Give a few simple examples like volunteering at an animal shelter or cleaning up a park.
Why is Community Service Important?
- It helps people feel good!
- It makes our neighborhoods safer.
- It brings people closer together.
- It solves problems!
Discuss the positive impacts of community service. Ask students how they think helping others makes people feel (happy, appreciated) and how it makes the community better (cleaner, friendlier).
How Can YOU Help Your Community?
- Help a neighbor.
- Pick up trash.
- Be kind to everyone.
- Volunteer your time (with an adult!).
- Share your talents!
Brainstorm concrete ways 3rd graders can contribute. Encourage diverse ideas, from simple acts of kindness to more organized efforts. This transitions into their worksheet activity.
Your Turn to Make a Difference!
Think about one way you can help your community.
- Draw a picture or write about it on your worksheet!
- Be creative! No idea is too small.
Explain the worksheet activity. Students will draw or write about their own idea for community service.
Small Actions, Big Impact!
Every little bit of kindness and help makes our community stronger and happier!
Final slide to summarize the main message and encourage continued positive action.
Script
Community Service Script
Introduction: What is a Community? (5 minutes)
Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today we're going to talk about something super important: being a 'Helping Hand' in our community. But first, can anyone tell me, what is a community? What does that word mean to you?"
Teacher: "Great ideas! A community is simply a group of people who live, work, or even play together. We all belong to many different communities. Think about it: your family is a community, your classroom is a community, our school is a community, and our neighborhood is a community. We are all part of something bigger!"
Teacher: "Let's look at our first slide! Helping Hands, Happy Hearts Slide Deck (Slide 1 and 2)"
Exploring Community Service (10 minutes)
Teacher: "Now that we know what a community is, let's talk about how we can make our communities even better. That's where community service comes in! Take a look at this next slide. Helping Hands, Happy Hearts Slide Deck (Slide 3)"
Teacher: "Community service means helping others in our community without getting paid. It's about being kind, helpful, and making a positive difference. Can you think of any examples of community service? Maybe something you've seen or done with your family?"
Teacher: "Fantastic examples! Now, why do you think community service is so important? How does it help people and our community? Helping Hands, Happy Hearts Slide Deck (Slide 4)"
Teacher: "You've got it! Community service makes people feel good, it makes our neighborhoods safer and cleaner, and it brings everyone closer together. It helps solve problems and makes our world a happier place."
Teacher: "So, how can YOU help your community? Even as a 3rd grader, you have so much power to make a difference! Helping Hands, Happy Hearts Slide Deck (Slide 5)"
My Community Contribution Activity (10 minutes)
Teacher: "Those are wonderful ideas! Now it's your turn to think about your own 'Helping Hand' project. I'm going to give each of you a My Community Contribution Worksheet. On this worksheet, I want you to draw a picture or write about one way you can help your community. It can be a small act of kindness or a bigger idea. Remember, every little bit helps!"
Teacher: "I'll be walking around to see your amazing ideas. Let's see all those helping hands at work! Helping Hands, Happy Hearts Slide Deck (Slide 6)"
Wrap-Up & Reflection (5 minutes)
Teacher: "Wow, you all have such thoughtful ideas for helping our community! Let's hear from a few of you. Who would like to share their community contribution?"
Teacher: "Thank you for sharing! Before we finish today, let's do a quick cool-down. Think about one new thing you learned about community service today, and how it made you feel to think about helping others. We'll share our thoughts quickly with a partner or as a class." Community Service Cool Down
Teacher: "Remember, every single one of you has the power to be a 'Helping Hand' and make our community a happier place. Keep those happy hearts! Helping Hands, Happy Hearts Slide Deck (Slide 7)"
Worksheet
My Community Contribution
Name: ________________________
Date: ________________________
How will YOU be a Helping Hand in our Community?
Think about one way you can help your family, your school, your neighborhood, or your city/town. It can be a big idea or a small act of kindness!
Draw a picture of your idea below and then write a sentence or two explaining it.
My idea to help my community is:
Cool Down
Community Service Cool Down
Name: ________________________
Date: ________________________
-
What is one new thing you learned about community service today?
-
How did it make you feel to think about helping others in your community?