International Volunteer Year / National Volunteer Week (AUS)
These lessons are designed to be taught during ‘International Volunteer Day’, held December 5th or National Volunteer Week (Australia) May 18-24.
Below is an overview of the lessons, for planning purposes, as well as the lesson plans and any associated worksheets.
International Volunteer Year / National Volunteer Week (AUS)
Date: December 5
OVERVIEWS, LESSON PLANS AND RESOURCES
Lower Primary (Phases 1-2)
Learning Intentions:
- Understand what volunteering means
- Learn how volunteering helps others and makes us feel good, too
Research: Tashjian, S.M., Rahal, D., Karan, M. et al. Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial that Altruism Moderates the Effect of Prosocial Acts on Adolescent Well-being. J Youth Adolescence 50, 29–43 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-020-01362-3
Resources:
- Audiovisual equipment
- Storybook about kindness and helping others (e.g., ‘Last Stop on Market Street’ by Matt de la Peña)
- Large paper or board for brainstorming
- Paper and markers/textas/pencils for drawing
- A4 paper for ‘Helping Hands’ activity (or provided graphic organiser)
Middle-Upper Primary (Phases 3-4)
Learning Intentions:
- Identify ways volunteering strengthens communities and personal wellbeing
- Explore different ways we can volunteer
Research: Tashjian, S.M., Rahal, D., Karan, M. et al. Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial that Altruism Moderates the Effect of Prosocial Acts on Adolescent Well-being. J Youth Adolescence 50, 29–43 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-020-01362-3
Resources:
- Audiovisual equipment
- Video about volunteering
- A4 paper for writing/drawing plans (optional)
- Post-its
- Pencils or pens for writing
Secondary (Phases 5-7)
Learning intentions:
- Explore how volunteering builds resilience and positive emotions
- Understand the personal and community benefits of volunteering
Research: Tashjian, S.M., Rahal, D., Karan, M. et al. Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial that Altruism Moderates the Effect of Prosocial Acts on Adolescent Well-being. J Youth Adolescence 50, 29–43 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-020-01362-3
Resources:
- Audiovisual equipment
- ‘Why Being Kind Can Help You Feel Good’ article (provided)
- A4 paper
- Pens
