A Hands-On Lesson in Generosity
Young children across Primrose schools nationwide are learning about kindness, compassion, and the joy of giving back through the annual Caring and Giving Food Drive. This heartwarming initiative, integrated directly into the curriculum, encourages children to participate, helping them grasp the value of helping others in meaningful, hands-on ways. Each November, Primrose invites families of its youngest students to contribute canned goods, while older children, ages three to five, are encouraged to earn money through household chores. They use these funds to buy food items for donation, gaining valuable planning, budgeting, and nutrition skills along the way.
“At Primrose, we are committed to fostering a sense of belonging and making a positive difference in the communities we serve,” said Jo Kirchner, CEO at Primrose Schools. “As part of our curriculum-based Caring and Giving Food Drive, we do this through hands-on, experiential lessons of service.”
The food drive, which has become a cherished annual event, highlights how character development is a cornerstone of Primrose Schools’ approach. By encouraging these acts of kindness, Primrose not only supports local communities but also instills lifelong values in its students. Last year, their combined efforts led to over 400,000 nonperishable items being donated to food banks and shelters across the nation.
Building Character Through Service
Through the Caring and Giving Food Drive, children see firsthand the impact of their actions. Dr. Amy Jackson, chief early learning officer at Primrose Schools, emphasized the importance of this experience:
“At Primrose, we nurture, model and practice ways to be kind, compassionate and generous during these critical years of development. Experiencing the joy of giving without expectation of receiving anything in return helps children build strong character and positively shapes who they become.”
As children learn the value of generosity, they also develop a foundation of empathy and community engagement. These are qualities that Primrose believes will help them grow into kind, responsible adults. Through these research-informed, experience-based lessons woven into its Balanced Learning® curriculum, Primrose Schools are shaping young lives and strengthening communities, one generous act at a time.
What is a Balanced Learning® curriculum?
Primrose Schools’ Balanced Learning® curriculum is a unique approach that combines purposeful play with teacher-led instruction. This fosters curiosity, confidence, and compassion in children from infancy through kindergarten. By blending child-initiated activities with structured guidance, the curriculum supports comprehensive growth, helping children develop cognitive, physical, and emotional skills. The balanced approach enables children to learn actively while nurturing their social and emotional development, making education a joyful and engaging experience.
Rooted in research-informed practices, the Balanced Learning® curriculum incorporates both traditional early education insights and the latest learning science. It places a strong emphasis on character development, teaching children empathy, kindness, and responsibility through hands-on activities and community projects. The goal is to instill a love for learning and equip children with essential life skills, preparing them for both academic and personal success as they grow.
