2nd Grade Classroom in Akron Ohio
My name is Jennifer, and I teach second grade in Akron, Ohio. I have known Jenn since elementary school. Jenn has always had a generous and compassionate heart. I remember when she called me to tell me about the fundraiser that she was planning for Blake and his family. I was speechless that Jenn was going to be organizing such a huge event. She was determined to make a difference in this family’s lives. Jenn has continued this spirit of giving back through this website. She will do whatever it takes to spread the word that we can all take part in helping to positively impact the lives of others. I told her once, “Jenn, I can’t do the things you do. I’m not the type of person to organize fundraisers and websites.” She replied, “You do what you can. You do what you feel comfortable with. Any little thing you can do for others will make a difference.” She’s definitely right!
Recently Jenn contacted me to see if I could help her get the second grade perspective on helping others. Earlier in the year I did spend time covering curriculum on character education. I thought this would be the perfect time to revisit the topic. I decided that I would begin a review of how we can be kind to one another. Due to the age of my students I didn’t begin with a discussion of dontchangethechannel.com. I thought it was more beneficial to begin by reading books on the topic and then talk about scenarios and how they would react to them. I then proposed the question “How do you show kindness?” Second graders are always willing to tell you just about everything so they were very eager to share their thoughts. After answering the question in a group I had them answer the question again on paper. They illustrated their writing, and I displayed their kind thoughts on the bulletin board and around the classroom. The second day I explained to the students why I had posted the sign “Don’t Change the Channel” on our display. I showed them the website and introduced them to a picture of my good friend Jenn. The students were amazed that I knew someone on the computer! I explained, on their level, that Jenn developed this website to encourage people to always think about how they can help others. I told them that even though they are seven and eight years old that they too can change the world by helping those in need. We then read about the eighth graders in Florida who conducted this same type of lesson in their school. The students were eager to hear what the “big kids” had to say so I read a few of the comments that I knew the second graders could relate to. As I read, my students all had their hands up wanting to share more and more ways that they show kindness to others. I encouraged the students to go home, discuss the lesson, and visit the website with their parents.
This lesson has impacted my students immensely. I see them looking out for each other more. They are more willing to go the extra mile to help their classmates and others around school. When a student drops their crayons on the floor ten students are racing over to help them pick them up instead of one. If a student forgets to close their locker another child closes it. Chairs needing to be pushed in are no longer being ignored. The students are quick to offer to use of their glue stick or eraser to someone who doesn’t have one. I can see the wheels moving in their head when they notice someone is sad or angry. They walk over to see how they can make that person feel better.
As teachers, parents, and citizens we have a responsibility to teach empathy and kindness and show the benefit of this through our actions toward others. If we all just took a minute and stopped…instead of changing the channel… imagine what a better world this could be.