Gifts of Nothing Teach Students to Give Kindness

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Third- and eighth-grade students at Our Lady of Lourdes School recently read aloud Patrick McDonnell’s book “The Gift of Nothing.” Afterward, the students brainstormed what gifts of nothing could be and determined those could be actions that don’t cost money, like listening to a friend, giving someone a hug or helping around the house. Together, the students wrote down their gifts of nothing and put them in boxes they made. The activity sparked thoughtful conversations and ideas among the students, reminding them how they can give nothing and every-thing, because the gift of nothing is about being kind, caring and giving time and service to others instead of giving things.