I Can Give
A reflection-based framework within Bag of Joy
Designed for classroom conversations, assemblies, and small-group discussions.
I Can Give encourages students to reflect on what matters to them and see that meaningful giving doesn’t have to be big or complicated.
What Is I Can Give?
A reflection-based framework within Bag of Joy
I Can Give is a reflection-based framework within Bag of Joy that helps students think about giving in a way that feels personal and real to them.
This framework encourages students to:
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Notice causes and needs they care about
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Reflect on their values and experiences
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Understand that meaningful giving can look different for everyone
It creates space for conversation, self-awareness, and empathy—helping students see that giving can begin with small, thoughtful actions.
How Does I Can Give Look Like in a School Setting?
How sessions are adapted for different ages
An I Can Give session is a conversation-based experience that fits easily into classrooms, assemblies, or small-group settings. It’s adapted by grade level and focuses on noticing, reflection, and discussion.
Depending on age, students may:
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Pre-K–2: Take part in a read-along using the I Can Give picture book
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3rd–5th: Join a short talk or discussion about what giving means to them
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Middle & High School: Participate in conversation and optional journaling
Across all grades, students are encouraged to notice what matters to them, reflect quietly or through discussion, and share only if they choose. Sessions are zero cost and do not involve fundraising or donation requests.
How I Can Give Is Shared
Different formats to fit different classrooms
I Can Give is shared through a few simple formats, depending on the age group and learning environment.
The Book, I Can Give
A picture book read-along used with younger students to introduce the idea of noticing and caring in a simple, accessible way.
The Talk
A short, age-appropriate conversation that encourages students to reflect on what giving means to them and how it can start small.
The I Can Give Journal
An reflection journal for older students who want to think quietly or write about what matters to them.
These formats can be used on their own or combined, depending on the classroom or setting.
Why I Created I Can Give
Different formats to fit different classrooms
I started I Can Give after spending several years building Bag of Joy and learning what giving felt like to me over time. I noticed that some of the moments that stayed with me the most weren’t the biggest projects, but the quieter ones—when I noticed a need, cared about it, and did something small.
As I talked with other students, I began to realize that many kids want to help but feel unsure where to start, or feel pressure to do something “big” for it to count. I didn’t want giving to feel overwhelming or difficult.
I Can Give grew out of that learning. I wanted to share the idea that giving can begin with noticing, caring, and taking small, thoughtful steps—and that what feels meaningful can look different for everyone.
For Schools & Educators
I Can Give is designed to fit easily into school settings and can be shared through classroom visits, assemblies, or read-alongs, depending on grade level and what works best for your students.
If you’re interested in bringing I Can Give to your school or learning community, I’d love to connect and talk about how it could fit into your classroom or program.