Kickstart Kids’ Love of Giving Back
#ReadForGood — how can I celebrate my readers’ impact?
“Hey Mom, I’ve got tons of free time to volunteer!” said no kid, ever.
Alright some might be able to say that, but in my teaching experience, it’s been rare. Students these days are busy beyond belief; if they’re spending 6 hours at school, 2 hours at music or sports practice, plus some kind of part-time work for 4–6 hours for teens, they barely have enough hours to do homework and sleep, let alone volunteer their time (which is also mandatory in many school boards)!
For younger children who may not have extracurricular activities or after-school jobs, it’s still difficult to find opportunities to participate in and that are exciting enough to prioritize over other distractions, yet “even children as young as three can learn the value of helping people and places in need” (Lewis-Brown).
It’s admirable how much time my high school students spend bettering themselves to follow their dreams, whichever path they choose. I’ve watched my students pour themselves into violin practice, mock trial, after-school tutoring — you name it. If only students didn’t have to choose between sharpening their own skills, and improving the lives of others.
Cue Simbi.
Simbi’s online reading platform empowers students to choose self-development and service. The more time spent honing reading skills and developing speaking confidence on Simbi, the more their voice helps others read along to stories. How does this work, you wonder? Check out Janessa Ferrell’s post for more details.
So you’re on Simbi — how can you celebrate your kids’ impact?
5 Ways to Celebrate Volunteerism and Service:
1. Set Simbi reading goals
Whether you’re using Simbi at home or in the classroom, creating reading goals in a Group is super motivating, and a great way to celebrate kids’ service.
2. Print or frame volunteer certificates
Through its partnership with Simbi Foundation and the United Nations, Simbi tracks time spent narrating, and offers a volunteer certificate through the site! Print or frame these certificates with your readers to commemorate their hard work!
3. Read their Weekly Impact Report every week
Your kids’ narrations may be heard by hundreds of readers as they learn to read around the world. I’m in awe every time I read my Weekly Impact report, and your kids will be too. Get excited about their impact with them!
4. Talk to your readers about who they are impacting
Check out Simbi Foundation’s work in partner communities, and talk to your readers about these special places. These discussions will help kids get to know the people behind the Weekly Impact Report.
5. Encourage kids to share their narrations
Readers can share their links to their narrated stories with grandparents, friends, teachers, etc. Make celebrating impact & servitude an exciting experience for kids of all ages!
Resources:
Lewis Brown, Laura. “Tips for Volunteering With Kids.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, 11 Aug. 2013, www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/tips-for-volunteering-with-kids.
