The preschoolers at Bright Horizons at Wilton assisted the Family and Children’s Agency in Norwalk with the organization’s annual food drive. The children helped decorate food collection boxes, placed items to donate into the boxes, and gathered it all together for donation.
“We want to teach the children about the concept of giving to others less fortunate,” explained Cindy Schacht, the Bright Horizons’ center director. “One of our curriculum components is to teach the children about the world around them and their ability to make an impact on it. From beginning to end, the children were involved in the donation campaign. When the Family and Children’s Agency [representative] came to pick up the donations, she spoke with the children about what she would be doing with the food they had collected. Especially at this time of year, we want to ensure that children understand the concept of giving.”
Schacht said that the lesson fit in to the larger philosophy of the center’s curriculum.
“The children are becoming aware of the world around them and their ability to make an impact on it. They are interested in the diversity of people, cultures, and the environment, and they seek out meaningful opportunities to learn about and engage in their communities. These experiences develop a child’s sense of citizenship, enhance their self-confidence and self esteem, and prepare them to live a meaningful, fulfilling life.”
Bright Horizons is located at 7 Godfrey Pl..