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The Gift of Giving

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Lesson Plan

The Gift of Giving

Students will define and explore different facets of sharing and generosity, recognizing its importance during the Christmas season and its positive impact on individuals and communities.

This lesson helps students understand the deeper meaning of the holiday season beyond receiving, encouraging them to consider the needs of others and the joy that comes from giving and sharing their time, talents, and resources.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Discussion, reflection, and practical examples.

Materials

Prep

Review Materials & Set Up

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: What is Giving?

5 minutes

  • Display the first slide of The Gift of Giving Slides.
    * Ask students to brainstorm what comes to mind when they hear the word 'giving' or 'sharing', especially around Christmas.
    * Record their ideas on the board or chart paper.

Step 2

Explore Sharing & Generosity

10 minutes

  • Present The Gift of Giving Slides (slides 2-4) to introduce different forms of sharing (time, talents, possessions, kindness).
    * Facilitate a class discussion using the Discussion Prompts to delve into real-world examples and personal connections.
    * Discuss how sharing can create a positive ripple effect.

Step 3

Personal Reflection

10 minutes

  • Distribute the Sharing Reflections Worksheet.
    * Instruct students to independently complete the worksheet, thinking about ways they can share or have shared during the Christmas season.
    * Encourage them to be specific and consider both tangible and intangible forms of giving.

Step 4

Share & Conclude

5 minutes

  • Invite students to share one idea from their Sharing Reflections Worksheet with a partner or the whole class (as time permits and if they feel comfortable).
    * Conclude by reiterating that the greatest gifts are often those we share with others, reminding them of the true spirit of Christmas.
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Slide Deck

The Gift of Giving

More Than Just Presents

What does it truly mean to give and share during the Christmas season?

Welcome students and introduce the topic. Ask them to think about what 'giving' means, especially during Christmas. Connect to the warm-up activity in the lesson plan.

What is Sharing?

Sharing isn't just about things! It's about:

  • Your Time: Helping a neighbor, volunteering, spending time with family.
  • Your Talents: Using your skills to help others, performing for a community event.
  • Your Possessions: Donating toys or clothes, lending a book.
  • Your Kindness: A comforting word, a thoughtful gesture, a smile.

Discuss different forms of sharing. Encourage students to think broadly beyond material items.

Why Share?

Sharing:

  • Spreads Joy: Makes others feel happy and cared for.
  • Builds Community: Strengthens bonds between people.
  • Fosters Empathy: Helps us understand and connect with others' feelings.
  • Creates a Positive Impact: Your actions can inspire others!
  • Feels Good! Giving often brings more happiness than receiving.

Lead a brief discussion on the benefits of sharing, both for the giver and the receiver. Emphasize the ripple effect.

Your Turn to Give!

How can you bring the spirit of sharing to life this Christmas?

Think about:

  • Who could benefit from your generosity?
  • What can you share (time, talent, possessions, kindness)?
  • How will your sharing make a difference?

Transition to the personal reflection activity. Remind students that even small acts of sharing can make a big difference.

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Discussion

Discussion Prompts: The Spirit of Giving

Use these questions to guide your classroom discussion on sharing and generosity.

Understanding Sharing

  1. What are some different ways people share during the Christmas season, beyond just giving physical gifts?


  2. Can you think of a time when someone shared something with you (time, kindness, a skill) that wasn't a physical gift? How did that make you feel?


  3. Why do you think sharing is often associated with the holiday season?


The Impact of Giving

  1. How does sharing not only benefit the person receiving, but also the person giving? Have you experienced this?


  2. Can one small act of sharing truly make a big difference? Provide an example if you can.


  3. What are some challenges to sharing, and how can we overcome them?


Personal Connection

  1. What is one way you could share your time or talents with someone in your family or community this Christmas?


  2. How can we make the spirit of sharing and generosity last beyond just the holiday season?


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Worksheet

Sharing Reflections: The Gift of Giving

Think about the different ways we can share during the Christmas season and how these actions can make a positive difference. Use the space below to reflect on your own experiences and ideas.

Part 1: Reflecting on Sharing

  1. Describe a time when you shared something (your time, a talent, a possession, or kindness) with someone else during the holiday season or any other time. What did you share and with whom?





  2. How did you feel after sharing? How do you think the other person felt?





  3. In what ways do you see sharing and generosity happening in your community during Christmas?





Part 2: Your Sharing Plan

Think about one specific way you could share your time, talents, or kindness this Christmas season. This doesn't have to be a big gesture; even small acts can have a huge impact!

  1. What is one specific act of sharing you could do this Christmas?





  2. Who would benefit from this act of sharing?


  3. How do you think this act of sharing would make a difference?





  4. What steps can you take to make this sharing plan a reality?





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The Gift of Giving • Lenny Learning