Celebrating International Volunteers Day

As December 5th approaches, we find ourselves gearing up to celebrate International Volunteers Day—a fantastic opportunity to introduce our young learners to the profound values of kindness, community, and the spirit of giving. At our nursery school, we believe that instilling these virtues early on sets the stage for nurturing empathetic, responsible, and socially conscious individuals. While International Volunteers Day may not be a household name, the essence it embodies is both useful and intriguing, offering a rich backdrop for meaningful activities and discussions with our little ones.

Understanding the Day: What is International Volunteers Day?

International Volunteers Day, established by the United Nations in 1985, celebrates the impact of volunteerism in communities worldwide. It acts as a gentle reminder of the power of individuals coming together to help others—one of the simplest yet most profound lessons we can impart to our children. This day is a celebration of the countless volunteers who dedicate their time and effort to make the world a better place, often working quietly behind the scenes.

The Values It Teaches

At its core, International Volunteers Day teaches us about empathy, selflessness, and the joy of giving without expecting anything in return. For nursery-aged children, understanding these concepts can be both enlightening and rewarding. While they may not fully grasp the complexities of volunteer work, they can certainly appreciate the joy of sharing, helping out a friend, or showing kindness to someone in need. These small, tangible actions lay the foundation for bigger acts of compassion in the future.

Activities to Celebrate and Educate

1. Storytime with a Twist: Choose stories that highlight themes of kindness and helping others. Books like "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein or "Have You Filled a Bucket Today?" by Carol McCloud can spark discussions about the importance of giving and caring.

2. Kindness Crafts: Engage children in crafting activities that involve making "kindness cards" or "thank you notes." These can be distributed to local community helpers, such as firefighters, librarians, or even school staff, as a token of appreciation.

3. Role-Playing Games: Set up role-playing scenarios where children can act out situations involving helping others, such as assisting a friend who is feeling sad or sharing toys. This playful activity helps reinforce social skills and the importance of empathy.

4. Garden of Giving: Create a small garden patch where children can plant seeds. Explain how nurturing these plants relates to nurturing relationships and communities. Upon harvest, the produce can be shared among the children, teaching them about sharing the fruits of their labor.

5. Volunteer Visits: Invite local volunteers to speak with the children about their experiences. Hearing first-hand accounts can make the idea of volunteering more tangible and relatable for young minds.

As we celebrate International Volunteers Day, we are reminded that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a significant impact. By introducing these concepts to our nursery school children, we not only celebrate this special day but also sow the seeds of compassion and community spirit. These activities, though simple, help our young learners understand the importance of helping our fellow humans out—one small step at a time.

Let’s embrace this opportunity to inspire and learn alongside our children, championing a future generation that values kindness and community. After all, the world could always use a bit more of both.