Make A Difference Mondays

Several years ago, I started Make A Difference Mondays during the holiday season to keep my students focused while working on kind and charitable activities!

Here’s How It Works!

1. On the Friday before we start, I read and show all of the cards to my students. We have a quick discussion about the various activities. Then, I give the kids time to talk about it or ask questions as needed.
2. On Monday, I have a student pick a card without looking. Then, that is our focus for the week. You can hold the cards in a fan arrangement in your hand, make a cute little box, or whatever you’d like!
3. Some years, I start at the beginning of November, other times I’ve started around Thanksgiving…it just depends on how our schedule happens to lay out.
4. I post the current card on the board and we chat about it during our morning meeting each day. We measure our progress, discuss ways to complete the activity, share things that we’ve done, etc. I also post our focus in the weekly newsletter for parents.
5. When we are finished with a card, we post it in the classroom and then choose our next activity.
6. The last week before Christmas/Winter break is the last week that we choose a card. It’s also a good time to review all of our cards that we worked on. Then, we put all the cards away until next year!

I’ve loved doing this over the years. My first graders really get into it and work hard on each week’s activity. It’s a great way to introduce charitable giving and focus on other meaningful holiday activities aside from elves, gifts, etc. etc.

Click HERE to grab the FREE cards from my TpT store. If you use and enjoy them in your classroom, I’d love for you to share some pics and tag me on Instagram! I’m @practicalprimaryteacher 🙂 Let’s spread some kindness together this season!!

I hope that you find these cards useful. If you have any questions, I’d love to help. Want to save this for later? Pin the image below!

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