PROGRAMS FOR KIDS
Kids for Kids Intro
Kids for Kids Fund
The Kids for Kids Intro is a literacy-based program for 2nd - 3rd graders which we piloted at multiple schools in 2021. Like our flagship program, we designed eight in-depth sessions where kids explore what it means to help others and ourselves.
Each session is tailored around a different children’s book, such as Lubna and Pebble, Just Ask, or Strictly No Elephants. By centering our lessons around these stories, it allows us to have conversations with kids in a heartfelt and engaging way. Kids learn that everyone has their own story to tell, that their voices matter, and even little gestures can make a big difference. By reading and sharing, they build their curiosity, empathy, and desire to help others.
The schools reported that this was an "absolutely fantastic" program, with "great books", "easy to follow" messaging, and "led to great conversations.”
The Kids for Kids Fund program offers a dynamic civic experience for 3rd-5th graders to develop their philanthropic identity and capacity over the course of eight hands-on sessions. The Kids for Kids Fund is run through schools, camps, and other community programs.
During this experiential journey, we focus on building an empathetic connection to the needs of others, exploring compassionate solutions to issues facing our communities, and putting our philanthropic capacities into practice. The sessions range from exploring the rights of all children and perspective-taking about different social issues, to learning about great local solutions in their community. The program culminates in each school group determining how to allocate $1,000. Past grantees of the $1,000 grant have included Best Kids, Tracy's Kids, Nourish Now, Children's Homeless Playtime Project, Only Make Believe, Project Create, Great and Small, Bright Beginnings, The Dwelling Place, KEEN DC, DC Diaper Bank, Kids in Need Distributors, and many more.
More about our flagship program can be found by listening to the Urban Institute podcast episode Teaching Kids How to Give, and by reading "Children are Undiscovered Community Assets" in the eJournal of Public Affairs out of Missouri. You can also reach us directly at info@thegivingsquare.org.
Click here to check out the Kids for Kids Fund 2021 Grantees!
Service Learning Workshop
This program is designed to get 5th and 6th graders on the path to successful and meaningful service learning, with focuses such as Mitzvah Projects.
Throughout 8 sessions will be presented with opportunities for self-discovery and reflection as they research potential service activities. They will engage in questions such as what is uniquely meaningful to them, and the “why” behind their need to serve. By the fourth session students come up with a personal community service plan, including several potential options for service. The peer group sessions that follow are designed to help kids help each other as they put their plans into action, as well as allow the kids to work on their peer-coaching and problem-solving skills. By going through this process, kids will feel more confident and connected to their service and supported by a community of peers and adults.