For the Classroom

Generosity

Giving support, help, or resources to make a positive difference

Generosity enriches schools through shared resources, time, and encouragement.

When educators give beyond expectations, students feel supported and valued. Generosity strengthens community and fosters gratitude.

Essay

Generosity and Mental Health

by Sandra Szczygiel, LPCC-S (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor)

Generosity is the act of being kind, selfless, and giving to others. Even though generosity is done to benefit others, it additionally increases one’s own well-being/mental health. Regions of our brain associated with pleasure and trust are activated when we are generous or are the recipients of generosity. Generosity causes a ripple effect – if someone sees us being generous, it makes them more likely to be generous as well, and so on. Positive thinking skills are important to generosity because positive emotions make us more likely to give. The happier we feel, the more likely we are to give to others again in the future.

Reference: Psychology Today, Tchike Davis, PhD. What is Generosity? How to Be a More Generous Person. February 4, 2019.

Affirmations for the Classroom

I share what I have with others.
I help take care of the earth by reusing and recycling.
I give to others without expecting anything back.
I use kind words to make people feel happy.
I am thankful for what I have.

Generosity Resource Library

The Links below will take you to Resources like activities, lessons, reflections, tools, and visuals you can use in the classroom or in homeschool to teach the Character Quality of Generosity.

Featured

Reading List Roundup: Generosity Picture Books

A curated reading list for teaching Generosity—plus a printable download and a link to the full Generosity bookshelf on Goodreads.

Generosity as a Sidekick Quality

Descriptions of how Generosity supports the other qualities.

Generosity as a Core Value

Descriptions of Generosity as a Core Value and how the other qualities support it.

Fun with Character: The Lollipop Game

Experience the joy of giving through "The Lollipop Game," a sweet activity that teaches students how to be generous with their treasures. By following creative prompts to share treats with others, students learn that Generosity creates a positive cycle of kindness where everyone feels supported.

Fun with Character: Time Talent Treasure

Expand the concept of generosity beyond just giving things by teaching students how to share their time, talents, and treasures. Through an engaging salt-water experiment and the "Lollipop Game," students learn practical ways to support others and "buoy" their community through intentional acts of kindness.

Fun with Character: Egg-stra Generosity

Watch a sinking egg rise to the surface in this engaging salt-water experiment that illustrates the uplifting power of Generosity. This hands-on lesson teaches students how their kind words and supportive actions can "buoy" a classmate in need and create a more positive classroom culture.

Connecting Generosity to the Science Curriculum

Use patenting from your Science curriculum to teach Generosity

Picture Book Pick: Grandma Rose’s Magic

A featured Generosity picture book—Grandma Rose’s Magic—with a read-along link and ready-to-use classroom discussion questions.

No Matter How You Say It: Generosity

A quick language-and-meaning snapshot of Generosity, showing the word origins, sign language, and common idioms anyone can discuss.

Generosity Quotes

Looking for reminders that Generosity makes a difference? Explore the full collection of Generosity Quotes and find the perfect line to share, post, or spark a conversation.

Quotes

Celebrate Character Qualities All Month

Use the holidays this month to celebrate our other qualities.

Featured

Juneteenth Activity

A simple Juneteenth activity.

June Character All Month

A list of classic and quirky holidays in June and their connection to a variety of character qualities.

Summersgiving

A simple Summersgiving activity.

Build Community in Your Classroom

Try these activities!

Featured

Getting to Know You: Fortunately, Unfortunately

This lighthearted Team Building activity uses stories to encourage people to express their identity and values in a fun, creative way—boosting connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging within any group or organization. Spark fun dialogue and collaboration, and help participants practice quick thinking, positive interaction, and group energy.

Getting to Know You: Read All About it!

This lighthearted Team Building activity uses paper to encourage people to express their identity and values in a fun, creative way—boosting connection, conversation, and a sense of belonging within any group or organization. Spark fun dialogue and collaboration, and help participants practice quick thinking, positive interaction, and group energy.

Generosity

Giving support, help, or resources to make a positive difference

Generosity enriches schools through shared resources, time, and encouragement.

Generosity and Mental Health

Affirmations for the Classroom

Generosity Resource Library

Generosity Quotes

Celebrate Character Qualities All Month

Build Community in Your Classroom

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