As homeschool families, we often have the unique opportunity to experience learning together. And, one lesson that many of us find important is the lesson of being of service to others. Children benefit dramatically from opportunities to be charitable and giving. This holiday season, consider taking on a giving project as a family. Here are several ideas: 1. Bake cookies or make dinners for others. This is a great way to incorporate homeschool math AND give back. And it's quality time together. Baking and cooking together is a bonding experience and what better way to bond than by giving the gift of food. Pass out food to local police and fire departments or drop off meals and baked goods to your local church or to neighbors who might be in need. 2. Fill stockings for those in need. This is fun because you and the kids can shop together, which means considering the need, making a budget and then making the selections. Then, once you have all of your stocking stuffers, you can stuff them together and then drop them off at a local church or charity. 3. Do a toy sweep. One way to reduce clutter before the holidays AND give back at the same time is to clear out old toys and donate them. This is also a great way to teach kids the act of giving as well as the act of minimizing stuff and leading a simple, grateful life. 4. Visit a nursing home. There are so many opportunities here. The whole family can take board games or a craft to do with the residents. Or, you can let your kids show off their talents by singing or playing an instrument for them. Another option is to make simple gifts and hand them out. 5. Adopt a family. So many organizations offer an opportunity to adopt a family or a child for Christmas. This involves selecting a family or child, getting their wish list and then shopping for them and dropping off those items at the organization for them to distribute to the family. It helps kids learn gratitude and generosity to shop for toys for someone other than themselves and it's a lot of fun. 6. Donate to a food bank. There is never a shortage of need when it comes to food. As a family, check your own pantry or go shopping for items that will help another family have nourishment during the holidays. 7. Do your own fundraiser. Ask your kids what world problem they want to tackle and then do some research on practical ways you can help locally. Brainstorm ideas for raising donations and let them lead the charge! 8. Pack gift boxes for military overseas. This is fun because the sky is the limit. Any comfort from home that you think someone overseas might enjoy, you can add to the box. Many organizations collect these boxes for mass shipment, too so find out where you can drop yours off. 9. Make crafts to donate to the children's hospital. Kids who have to spend time in the hospital like having things to do to pass the time. Choose a craft, shop for the supplies together and put the kits together and drop them off together. 10. Make a random acts of kindness Advent Calendar. This is creative and fun. Brainstorm together all the acts of kindness you can do each day of the month and make your own calendar as a craft project. Then, follow through on your acts of kindness each day.
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