Generosity Picnic

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What does it mean to be generous?

"When I gave everyone my carrots, I became happy." -Isla reflects.
Given the chance to eat all his popcorn by himself or to share with his friends Olin decides, "I would like to share because they are my best friends."

In the past, the children have explored the concept of friendship and sharing. When asked about it they describe that sharing makes them happy, and that it makes their friends happy too. At the picnic, the feeling of warmth and community is tangible. Unprompted "please"s, "Thank you"s and compliments float in the air and each child patiently waits a turn. The children lead the activity and I just feel privileged to be there. 



"Sharing is nice and kind."
"Thank you. You are being generous."
"Generous means giving to people that like it."
"You're being kind."
"Everybody likes being kind."

The phrases that float around the picnic without teacher provocation give me the idea that even though the concept of generosity may be a big one, many of the children have already linked it to kindness.




Perhaps the most simply put, Ellen exclaims, "It made me feel good to share!" (And then proceeds to eat all her left over seaweed).

In the coming weeks we plan to draw on how sharing at the picnic made the children feel and relate that concept to other kinds of giving. What different things can be a gift? Does a gift need to be wrapped in a box? Can we give to someone if we don't know them?

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