Sharing is Caring
The winter months can be a tough time for people who are less fortunate. By making your homeschool students aware that they can do something for such people, you give them a practical lesson in sharing is caring. Make a list of people who your family knows who could do with some brand of sharing. This could be in terms of time spent with the elderly who are lonely, or putting together a care package for students or military personnel in foreign countries, or even just gift wrapping toys for the local orphanage. Think up of new ways that they can share things as well as their time to show how much they care.
Possible Places to Visit
The local orphanage is a good place to visit during the holidays. Take along all the clothes that the homeschool students have outgrown. The books that no one seems to be reading anymore and the toys that have been sitting on the shelf without being played with in ages, are both good gifts to give away. Maybe make the time and effort to visit a local veteran center and perform a play to entertain them. One of the easiest things is to prepare a set of Christmas Carols and go singing them at locations such as the children’s hospital, the old age home, and even the orphanage. The idea is to spread some cheer in society.
What is Expected of the Children
Explain to the younger children about the concept of giving. How giving anything from a smile to a favorite old sweater away can bring joy to someone else in their life. Speak about how people less fortunate than the homeschooling family that they belong to deal with the harsh realities of life. It is never too early to develop compassion in your children. Make it a point to have them behave well with everyone they interact. Remember they should not feel that they are doing someone a favor, instead they should realize that it’s about giving back to the society that has already given them so much more than others their own age.