THE BIG IDEA OF GIVING
And what it means To Give?

Most people would think of giving as giving something to someone, like a present. Is giving only about presents though?

Let’s use our Brilliant Brainz to think creatively, as there are lots of possibilities about this BIG idea of giving – more than you might realise!

What do you give?
Can we give something that cannot be seen?

…Draw or write your ideas in a notebook or journal!

THE LANGUAGE OF GIVING

We use the words giving and give in lots of different ways; here are some ideas:

Giving Giving up Giving presents
Giving time to others Giving to others – sharing, offering
Give way Give and take Give away Give help
Give yourself time, rest…Forgive Giving back
Give you credit Just giving Give it your all
Giving to charity Give feedback

“To move forward is to give back.” ~ Oprah

GIVING & RECEIVING

When we give, it isn’t only ‘stuff’ that we can see – it can also be things such as giving our time. In fact, when we give a present that we have made ourselves, it is the thought, effort and time put into its making which is really appreciated by our family or friends who receive the gift. It can also be rewarding to give something to someone knowing you made it!

What have YOU made for people?
If you have given something you have made to someone, how does it make YOU feel as the giver?
Can the giver ever get anything from giving?

“There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.” ~ Khalil Gibran

CHOICES, CHOICES

Who should we give to? What should we give? When should we give?
Giving seems to involve LOTS of choices and decisions. Making a choice can sometimes be challenging, so let’s give you a chance to practice…

Would you prefer to give away:

A) Some of your TIME to charity?
B) Some of your MONEY to charity?
C) Some of YOUR TOYS or CLOTHES to charity?

Would you prefer to be given extra:

A) Time meeting NEW PEOPLE?
B) Time with a good FRIEND?
C) Time on YOUR OWN?

Would you prefer to be given on your birthday:

A) An EXPENSIVE gift that you really wanted?
B) A HOMEMADE gift that someone has spent time on?
C) You DON’T MIND because it’s the thought that counts?

Would you prefer to:

A) Give it your ALL?
B) Give UP?
C) Give yourself a BREAK!?

“To do more for the world than the world does for you – that is success.” ~ Henry Ford

THINK CHALLENGE
+ Chance for Conversation

What do other people think?

Do you AGREE or DISAGREE with them, or are you not sure, so you are ‘ON THE FENCE’?

Anne Frank:

“NO ONE HAS EVER BECOME POOR BY GIVING.”

Agree / Disagree? (Write down your thoughts.)

Mother Theresa:

“IT’S NOT HOW MUCH WE GIVE, BUT HOW MUCH LOVE WE PUT INTO GIVING.”

Agree / Disagree? (Write down your thoughts.)

Winston Churchill:

“WE MAKE A LIVING BY WHAT WE GET, BUT WE MAKE A LIFE BY WHAT WE GIVE.”

Agree / Disagree? (Write down your thoughts.)

The Dalai Lama:

“GIVING MATERIAL GOODS IS ONE FORM OF GENEROSITY, BUT ONE CAN EXTEND AN ATTITUDE OF GENEROSITY INTO ALL ONE’S BEHAVIOR. BEING KIND, ATTENTIVE, AND HONEST IN DEALING WITH OTHERS, OFFERING PRAISE WHERE IT IS DUE, GIVING COMFORT AND ADVICE WHERE THEY ARE NEEDED, AND SIMPLY SHARING ONE’S TIME WITH SOMEONE – ALL THESE ARE FORMS OF GENEROSITY, AND THEY DO NOT REQUIRE ANY PARTICULAR LEVEL OF MATERIAL WEALTH.”

Agree / Disagree? (Write down your thoughts.)

“When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” ~ Maya Angelou

A MONTH OF GIVING

Try some of these ideas this month and at the end of the month have a re-think about what your brilliant brain NOW thinks about GIVING…

1st
Give more time to something that you enjoy.

2nd
Give someone a smile to make them feel better. ?

3rd
Ask someone to give you some help if you need it.

4th
Give yourself 2 minutes to think about your day.

5th
Give someone a compliment by saying something nice to them.

6th
When talking to people today give them your full attention.

7th
Give someone a bit of help with something today.

8th
Write down 3 things you ‘gave’ today.

9th
Remember it’s ok to give yourself time to rest.

10th
Ask someone how they are and give them some of your time today.

11th
Give your energy to something you find hard today.

12th
If someone upsets you a little, try and forgive them.

13th
When you have given something or time to others have you ‘got anything’ too?

14th
Give extra effort to something today!

15th
Give something you don’t need anymore (with your parents’ or carer’s permission!) to charity.

16th
Give someone in your family a little note saying something nice.

17th
Eat well and give yourself healthy food that will help keep your body strong.

18th
What have you enjoyed giving so far?

19th
Give it your all today at school/homeschool/life!

20th
Give someone a chance today, even if you don’t normally chat or play with them ?

21st
Give your body and mind chance to relax at some point today.

22nd
If you get the chance, make something for someone today (…or at least start!)

23rd
Try and give yourself more time today to do things rather than rushing.

24th
If you can, (help) make something to eat for yourself and other people today.

25th
Spend your time with your family today as well as maybe giving presents!

26th
If you have a phone, tablet or computer, can you give yourself a break from it and chat to someone face to face?

27th
Give yourself chance to sit calmly and read a good book.

28th
Who do you like giving to and why?

29th
Play a game with someone today and give yourself chance to have a fun time!

30th
Give an extra helping hand at home today.

31st
Think of 3 things that give you hope for the next 12 months ahead… ?

KEY:

Giving in some way to others.
Giving in some way to yourself.
Giving to both you + others at the same time.
Time to think and reflect…

“Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.” ~ Ben Carson

IDEAS FOR REFLECTION AND EVALUATION:

Is there anything that you have changed about your thinking or your behaviour in connection to the BIG idea of GIVING?

……………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………..

Was anything challenging?

……………………………………………………………….

Did you prefer giving in some way to:

Yourself?
Others?
Both yourself and others at the
same time?

Why?

………………………………………………………………

You could:

circle or highlight the days in the month that you tried an idea and ‘gave’ something.
think how it made you feel.