LOOKING FOR WAYS TO INCORPORATE the spirit of giving into your classes and still provide opportunities to use the target language? Here are a few ideas that can be modified to suit various grade levels:
*ORGANIZE A FUNDRAISER and give the donations to a charitable organization that either targets a Spanish speaking country or incorporates culture. There are a myriad ways you can raise funds: from a bottle drive to making ornaments and selling them (or other items, like notecards, etc), to doing a penny drive, any money earned will be greatly appreciated by the organization of your choice. Here are some little kiddo friendly organizations I particularly like:
-THE HEIFER PROJECT Heifer International uses money donated to them to provide resources to needy families and communities around the world, allowing them to be self sustainable. For example, you can help Heifer International purchase a llama (or a share of a llama, which is great if you haven't been able to raise a lot of money) to be given to a family in Bolivia. They also have a 'Read to Feed' program with materials to help you organize this really neat fundraising method. You could have your students read books that have to do with Hispanic culture- talk to your school librarian about what is already in your school library!
-WORLD WILDLIFE FUND seeks to protect endangered animals around the world by supporting conservation efforts in a variety of countries. You can "adopt" an animal, earmarking your donation for that particular species. They have a number of animals in Spanish speaking countries, such as the Galapagos Tortoise, llama, three toed sloth, jaguar and many more. Little kids LOVE animals, so symbolically adopting one, or more, of these creatures is a huge motivator! And, if you adopt at the "higher" level, you will receive a stuffy of the animal adopted, which can become a great mascot for your classroom! Go straight to the symbolic animal adoption page here!
-MONARCH BUTTERFLY FUND supports educational & conservation efforts to create sustainable ecosystems for the Monarch Butterfly, both in MĆ©xico and the US. If you already do a theme on the annual monarch migration (or would like to), this is a great way to tie in the theme with a real world connection and make a difference kids can comprehend.
DOING A PENNY/COIN DRIVE & WANT YOUR KIDDOS TO COUNT IN SPANISH? Don't miss our FREE Coin Counting Mats-download here!
UPDATE:
I wanted to highlight the many, many organizations, big and small, which do amazing service for people and animals around the world- this is an ever growing list (click on their name to go to their page)... if you have a link you would like added, please let me know via the comments section below.
*DREAM: This organization works with educational institutions and communities in the Dominican Republic to improve the education of children.
*Safe Passage/ Camino Seguro: Volunteers work in Guatemala City to improve the lives of families whose primary source of income is the dump
*The Pulsera Project: Empowering and educating students via a project based fundraiser, proceeds improve the lives of children and families in Central America
*SPCAI: This is the international arm of the ASPCA, fighting to prevent cruelty to animals worldwide
*UNESCO: Seeking to build peace via education, science and research, this branch of the UN is active around the world.
*Whales of Guerrero Research Project: This project works to educate local populations in MĆ©xico about safe tourism practices and environmental issues related to the humpback whales which are endangered
*Jacques Cousteau Society: Working as custodians of the oceans, this organization continues Cousteau's mission to preserve and protect the sea
*Greenpeace: Works to make the environment healthier through advocacy and action. Here is the link to Greenpeace International
*Global Dental Relief: Providing dental services in five countries on a volunteer basis
*Doctors Without Borders: Providing medical services around the world
*KonbitSante: Provides much needed health care to people in Haiti
*El Biblioburro: Luis Soriano delivers books via donkey to children in Colombia
*Vida Volunteer: Spanish teacher Minette Junkins has created this AMAZING fundraiser for animal veterinary services in Costa Rica, Guatemala and Nicaragua. She was kind enough to send me an information sheet with all the information so you can ALSO join in helping this organization. Click here to read the info and get links to participate with your classes!
*World Animal Foundation: Supports efforts to save animals around the world
*Child Aid is a non profit organization supporting children and families in Guatemala. Their mission includes providing books for schools, food for families and more.
*Mexipets : A foundation in MichoacƔn working to save homeless dogs and cats and find them forever homes, as well as provides medical care for these animals.
*LITLE MISS FLINT- Mari Copeny is a youth activist focused on clean water in Flint, Michigan and beyond.