26 ways to be generous this school year

Being generous isn’t just about giving money; it’s also about giving your time, attention, your heart, and sometimes your ear. The people who understand this most might just be teachers and school staff. Whether you’re a teacher, student, parent, or grandparent, this list of 25 opportunities for generosity during the school year will help you spread generosity throughout your school. 

Younger kids: Parents, discuss with your children the ways they can help others at their school.

1. Share your resources: Lend a pencil, eraser, or other supplies to a classmate who forgot theirs.
2. Buy a treat: Use a portion of your allowance to surprise a friend with a school treat. Whether your school has a store, vending machine, or a-la-carte cafeteria, you can brighten someone’s day by gifting one of the most sought-after items.
3. Add to the library: Donate a favorite book or a few books you’re no longer using to your classroom or school library for others to enjoy.
4. Include everyone: Invite a new student or someone who seems lonely to play with you at recess or talk with you during a break.

Older kids: Look for opportunities to be generous with peers and teachers.

1. Offer your time to study together: Help a friend who is struggling with a subject.
2. Serve without being asked: Tidy up a classroom or common area before leaving for the day.
3. Look for ways to encourage others: Compliment a classmate’s hard work or artistic talent.
4. Speak up for others: Defend someone who is being bullied or talked about negatively.

Parents: Show generosity to those who work at your kid’s school.

1. Purchase supplies: Ask for a wish list, and decide as a family which items to check off.
2. Write a thank-you note: Take the time to communicate your appreciation to anyone who interacts with your child throughout their day: bus driver, school nurse, administrator, specials teachers, etc.
3. Send a small gift: Ask for a list of favorites (coffee, plant, snack, etc.) and surprise a teacher or someone else at school on unexpected days with a small token of your appreciation.
4. Offer to help: Volunteer as room parent or ask how you can use items from home (printer, laminator, paper cutter, etc.) to take some work off a teacher’s plate.
5. Reinforce at home: Discuss classroom rules, check homework, and talk about concepts being taught to ensure your child is a positive addition to the classroom culture.
6. Compliment a teacher to their supervisor: Write an email to the school administrator sharing what you appreciate most about your child’s teacher.

Teachers: Look for extra ways you can be generous to a student.

1. Invest in their future: Write a thoughtful letter of recommendation for a student.
2. Celebrate small victories: Acknowledge and praise a student for their effort, not just their achievements.
3. Create a safe space: Be a trusted, non-judgmental adult a student can confide in.
4. Give grace: Be flexible with a student or a parent who is going through a difficult time.
5. Provide for needs: Keep a supply of extra pens, paper, or even snacks for students who need them.
6. Offer genuine encouragement: Remind a student of their value and potential, regardless of their grades.

Grandparents: Be generous toward the learner in your family, their peers, and those doing the work of teaching them.

1. Pray for them: Pray regularly and specifically for your grandchild, their teachers, and their classmates.
2. Support their passions: Attend a play, concert, or sporting event to show you care.
3. Provide practical help: Offer to do carpool or chauffeur grandchildren to afterschool activities.
4. Give of your time: Be on the lookout for volunteer opportunities from the school or teacher, or offer to help your grandkids with their homework.
5. Support the school: Contribute to fundraising campaigns or suggest creative ways you could use your business or expertise to benefit the school.
6. Volunteer at school: Administrators and teachers may need someone to help with extra tasks. Offer day of the month you can come in and do small chores for them.

NCF

We know you want to be a good steward of all God has entrusted to you. That’s why we come alongside you with shared biblical values, innovative charitable solutions, and highly personalized service so you can give more strategically and with greater purpose. Since 1982, generous givers at NCF have mobilized more than $25 billion for 100,000+ charities.

See all stories from this author