Teacher Feature!
Lisa Rodriguez
Belmont-Cragin Elementary, Chicago IL
4th Grade
Can you share a moment that illustrates the effect
ThinkGive has had on your students? 

A group of students were so inspired by the "friendship bench" lesson that they presented the idea in a school assembly and brought one to our school. Any student who is feeling lonely can sit on the bench prompting others to lend an ear or simply sit with them. This has benefitted our whole community!


How has ThinkGive helped you and your students?

It has revitalized my morning social emotional learning time! Each lesson has clear objectives, assessments, and videos. Then my students explore ways to take actionable steps to be kind to others and themselves.


Why do you recommend the program to other teachers?

ThinkGive has engaging and comprehensive lessons on topics like respect, gratitude, and being kind to others and yourself. I love that students post their gifts online because it adds another engaging element to the lessons and allows them to support each other through the process. 


Any advice for a teacher piloting the program?  

 There’s not always a lot of time for SEL lessons so pick a video, prompt, or quote and have students reflect on a topic every day. As long as you’re consistently discussing these ideas they will resonate with your students.

I’d also recommend giving along with your students and modeling the thinking process so that they can see an example and get motivated to complete their own gifts. Be honest and transparent about the topics and great conversations will come out of it!
 
ThinkGive is a volunteer-driven organization with people passionate about making kindness and empathy actionable and meaningful to young people. 

With your support we can bring schools and communities together and empower kids to choose kindness. 
Thank you to our sponsors!