#Giving Tuesday

You made a plan to vote, now make a plan to give.

Voting is one important way to voice your desire for change, and giving back to your community or a cause you’re passionate about is another tangible way to make a difference. As we wait for the confirmed results of the election in the U.S., there are still so many powerful ways to take action for positive impact. Each and every day we have the opportunity to change things for the better, just by giving back.

Together, we can use our power of generosity to create the world we want to see. #GivingTuesday celebrates this collective spirit of generosity. On December 1, people all over the world will come together to give their time, voice, kindness, power, skills, expertise, and resources.

How will you give? Try these simple ideas to get started and challenge your friends to do the same.

Start close to home. As coronavirus cases surge again in many parts of the world, show your neighbors they're not alone, and strengthen your community bond by letting them know how you can help.

Volunteer for a cause important to you. There are still plenty of virtual and socially-distanced ways to give your time and expertise to organizations providing critical services and support.

Organize a drive for food or supplies. Rally your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and networks to band together to pool essential items and drop off at a local shelter, food bank, or deliver directly to a family in need.

Support businesses that are owned by people of color. Businesses that are owned by people of color continue to be disproportionately affected by the impacts of the pandemic. Support these businesses by shopping, dining, and hiring their services.

Donate to drive systemic change. Organizations need funds to scale up their efforts to educate, advocate, and change unfair policies. Remember: even small donations add up to a big impact.

Share an act of kindness. Offer a simple wave or hello, let someone ahead of you in traffic, pay for someone else’s meal, post a positive message of encouragement. Small gestures go a long way in creating a better day and remind us that we’re all in this together.

Let’s drive a spike of unity and generosity: Share how you’re giving back by using the hashtag #GivingTuesday and join us in this global wave of good!

Elementary Social and Emotional Learning Daily Activities

MindfulnessEmotionsWish WellAppreciationImaginationAwarenessAwareness & Decision MakingRelationshipsRelationshipsDecision MakingBreathe: Buzzing Bee Breath Keep a Daily “Proud Of” journal. Each day think of something you did that you are really proud of yourself for.Complete a random act of kindness for a friend or family member.Write three thank you letters/notes to friends or family members and let them know why you appreciate and love them.Make a list of things you can do to be responsible and help around the house.

Move: Mirror Movement Think about a choice you need to make, jot down what the positive and negative consequences of that choice could be. Select one positive choice and make it happen!Sit in a comfortable spot. Look down at the floor or close your eyes. Picture someone you want to send a positive thought to. Think about the positive thought. Imagine sending that thought to that person.List 5 important relationship skills (Be polite, listening, being helpful and kind). Which of these skills do you appreciate the most in others? Practice the skill you chose this week.Sit in a comfortable spot. Close your eyes. Start to think about a goal you have. Picture yourself achieving that goal. Notice how you feel.

Rest: Sleeping Crocodile Go outside or sit by the window. Lower your eye gaze for 1 minute. Focus on the different sounds that you hear. What did you hear? How did this make you feel?Find a way to let one of your teachers know how much you appreciate them. Some ideas include; sending an email, drawing a picture, reaching out through Schoology, or thanking them before or after class.What does it mean to be a good friend? Write or draw 5 things you can do to be a good friend.Think of a story that you are familiar with and choose a new ending that you like more. Tell the rest of the story using your imagination.

Seasonal Breathing: Hot Chocolate Breathing Use hands to make a cup. Smell the hot chocolate (breathe in) and cool it off (breathe out).Pause and think about how the leaves fall to the ground during this season: When there is a problem, pause & breathe, choose your response, and imagine your worries falling to the ground like a leaf.Go outside with an adult on a Fall walk. Look for the changes in the season. You could work together on a Fall scavenger hunt and search for two different colors of leaves, different types of plants, two different animals and something that smells like fall.Identify characteristics you look for in a friend. For example, someone who listens to me, makes me laugh, or is always there when I need them to help me. Consider telling a friend what you appreciate about their friendship.Play a game of, “Would you rather...” One example is would you rather be an ant or a peacock? Another example is would you rather go pumpkin picking or make a scarecrow. Share with someone why you made this choice. Is your answer the same or different from what they chose?

Meals

BCPS is providing meals at no cost for youth aged 2 through 18, and to students with disabilities of all ages, on most Mondays and Wednesdays. Any adjustments will be announced.

Please check the list online as locations and times may be adjusted each week. Just go to  Free student meals .