Today, on our first day back to school after the winter break and evacuation orders, we learned about the very important character trait of generosity.  We talked with the children about the season of giving and ways that we can give. Students discussed buying presents for others and making cards. We also talked about passing on items that we no longer need that are in good shape. Generosity can be more than buying things….take a look at this video:

My favorite quote from this video is, “If you do good things, good things will happen to you.” On the heels of this, I read the book Boxes for Katje aloud.

After World War II there is little left in Katje’s town of Olst in Holland. Her family, like most Dutch families, must patch their old worn clothing and go without everyday things like soap and milk. Then one spring morning when the tulips bloom “thick and bright,” Postman Kleinhoonte pedals his bicycle down Katje’s street to deliver a mysterious box – a box from America! Full of soap, socks, and chocolate, the box has been sent by Rosie, an American girl from Mayfield, Indiana. Her package is part of a goodwill effort to help the people of Europe. What’s inside so delights Katje that she sends off a letter of thanks – beginning an exchange that swells with so many surprises that the girls, as well as their townspeople, will never be the same.

This inspiring story, with strikingly original art, is based on the author’s mother’s childhood and will show young readers that they, too, can make a difference. (Amazon)

The students were very moved by the book. It was incomprehensible to them that Katje didn’t have a bar of soap, and she hadn’t had chocolate for several years! I reminded the students of the Tecolote Tuesday we had right before school was closed. At that Tecolote Tuesday, two students visited from the Upper School. They came to ask us for donations of socks and jackets for local homeless people. In the spirit of the season of giving and to practice the character trait of generosity, I encourage students to bring in new socks and gently used or new jackets to donate.