Final Lesson Grade 1: Want versus Need and the Lesson of Gift-Giving

Throughout my teaching, I always aimed at developing the children holistically. I put a great emphasis on their ability to empathize with others due to the fact that first graders, in particular, were at the stage where they were increasingly able to de-center and take the perspective of others. The objective of my final lesson had to be closely aligned with one of the most important IB principles of nurturing "socially responsible global citizens." This was achieved through 'awakening' the children to a surprising reality, not known to them untill then. The element of surprise, along with the challenging and engaging experience of helping others left a long-lasting mark in childrens' memories (one of the students even cried when he had to give up on his own toy). In this age of immediate gratification, I personally find it rather important for children to know, early on, that many of the things they indulge themselves in are extras they can live without. The activities are tailored in a way that helps children reach the conclusion that social interactions rather than material possessions, represent the main source of happiness.

At first, the teacher asks students to mention and reflect on what (object/activity/person) they like most and what makes them happy. List all responses without commentary and let kids explain and ask each other questions if they are curious about the preferences of others.

In step two, let students brainstorm as a group and think of what (objects/activities/people) may make others (older kids and teachers) happy based on their observations. Then, encourage students to identify and reflect on the commonalities.

Then we move on the next grammer lesson - differentiation between "need" and "want." The truth is that, in terms of grammer, learning about the distinction between what we need and what we want represented the ideal tool for delivering the lesson. The teacher begins by explaining the difference between the things we want and the things we need. Our needs are the necessities that help us stay alive, such as food, water, and shelter. Whereas the things we want are all these things we can live without. Let kids mention one thing they need to stay alive and explain why. It is imperative to have kids clarify the reason behind their choice. You are definitely going to receive some very original responses. For example, one of the students mentioned iPhone as something she needs to survive and upon probing, I found out that she needs the phone because of its' GPS so that if she gets lost, the phone will help her find her way back home.

As a group, we identified the things that make us happy and cost money versus those that cost nothing yet have a priceless value.

Kids vote on the things we need for our survival.

In order to trigger their inquiry and open a discussion on what we have versus what others do not have, I presented the students with some visuals - pictures taken during my visit of a public school. When the students saw the conditions under which some other children learn - no computer in the classroom, no toys, hardly any decoration, no AC, desks and chairs organized in raws, no carpet to sit on and chit chat with their friends, they were literally left speechless. We made a list of all the things they enjoy as part of their classroom environment versus all the things that the students of the public school had. Then, the children were invited to brinstorm how they could help solve any of the "do not have" problems of the public school students. Even though the majority of answers fell into the "buy" category, students were reminded that they themselves have no financial resources, therefore needs to use other means to be of help and deliver happiness. This time, money was simply not part of the equation.

TO BE CONTINUED