Usually, Cristina Perez’s students at St. Agatha Catholic School begin penning their wish lists as soon as Christmas decorations pop up at nearby International Mall. This year, Perez wants her sixth- and seventh-graders to think about gifts a little differently.
”We have discussed ways in which they can help around the house,” says the West Miami-Dade special education teacher. “We’ve also discussed service projects. If you don’t have money, you can give of your time. Everybody can do something for someone else.”
The idea is to emphasize giving of a different sort — and gratitude. ”I tell them that no matter how bad they have it,” Perez says, “someone else is worse off.”
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South Florida: Dark economic times shine a light on the true meaning of Christmas
Usually, Cristina Perez’s students at St. Agatha Catholic School begin penning their wish lists as soon as Christmas decorations pop up at nearby International Mall. This year, Perez wants her sixth- and seventh-graders to think about gifts a little differently.
”We have discussed ways in which they can help around the house,” says the West Miami-Dade special education teacher. “We’ve also discussed service projects. If you don’t have money, you can give of your time. Everybody can do something for someone else.”
The idea is to emphasize giving of a different sort — and gratitude. ”I tell them that no matter how bad they have it,” Perez says, “someone else is worse off.”
Read it all.