Table Talk

Table Talk

The School District of Lee County Curriculum Department, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Education, is actively working within our schools to build strong Civic literacy and historical awareness within our students. With that in mind, we acknowledge that one of the most efficient ways to build Civic literacy and historical awareness is through discussion. The best opportunities to discuss these topics revolve around the dinner table, where students share what they have learned, as well as their opinions related to those topics, with their parents and siblings in a safe and supportive environment. Below you will find grade-level appropriate activities and discussion questions that could be used to help promote civic literacy and historical awareness in the home that relate to each of our federal or state-mandated instructional days and observations.

Service and Civic Engagement

On Veteran’s Day, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of the men and women who have served in our armed forces. Their commitment to protecting our freedoms and values is a profound gift to our nation. Today and every day, we thank them for their service.

Grades K - 5

Helping Our Heroes

  • What does it mean to serve others?
  • Who are some people in our community who help us every day?
  • Why is it important to say thank you to veterans?

Create thank-you cards or drawings for veterans and community helpers (firefighters, nurses, etc.). Deliver them to a local organization or display them in school.

Resources

Grades 6 - 8

Service Starts with Me

  • What are some ways people serve their country or community?
  • Why do you think people choose to serve, even when it’s hard?
  • What’s one way you could serve others this month?

Organize or participate in a small service project—like a canned food drive, school clean-up, or kindness campaign. Reflect as a family or class on how it felt to give back.

Resources

Grades 9 - 12

Civic Duty and Personal Impact

  • What does civic engagement mean to you?
  • How do veterans’ sacrifices shape our freedoms and responsibilities?
  • What are some ways young people can serve their communities—now and in the future?

Host a roundtable or write a reflection on the meaning of service. Students can explore military service, volunteering, activism, or leadership roles—and how these contribute to a stronger society.

Resources

A Heart Full of Thanks

November is a time to pause and notice the good around us. Whether it’s a kind friend, a warm meal, or a moment of joy, gratitude helps us see life through a more hopeful lens. When students and families take time to say “thank you,” they build stronger relationships, boost emotional well-being, and create a culture of appreciation at home and in school.

Grades K - 5

Thankful Eyes

  • What does it mean to be thankful?
  • Can you name something you’re thankful for that you see or use every day?
  • How does saying “thank you” make others feel?

Make a simple “Thankful Lens” out of paper or cardboard. Each day, look through it and name one thing you’re thankful for—like a warm meal, a hug, or a sunny day. Decorate the lens with drawings or stickers that represent gratitude.

Resources

Grades 6 - 8

Gratitude in the Everyday

  • What’s something small that made a big difference in your day?
  • How can noticing what we’re thankful for help us feel more positive?
  • Who do you appreciate in your life, and how can you show it?

Create a “Gratitude Snapshot” journal. Each day, write or draw one moment that made you feel thankful. Encourage family members to share theirs too—maybe during dinner or a weekly check-in.

Resources

Grades 9 - 12

Gratitude as Perspective

  • How does practicing gratitude affect your mindset or relationships?
  • What’s something you’ve taken for granted that you now appreciate more?
  • How can gratitude be a leadership trait?

Write a short reflection or letter to someone who’s impacted your life—expressing thanks for their influence. Optionally, share it with them or post it somewhere meaningful (e.g., a gratitude wall at school).

Resources

Giving: Sharing What We Have to Help Others

Giving isn’t just about money—it’s about kindness, time, and using our talents to make a difference. When students learn to give, they discover the power of generosity and the joy of helping others.

Grades K - 5

Giving from the Heart

  • What does it mean to give? Is giving only about money?
  • Can you think of a time when someone gave you something that made you feel special?
  • What are some ways we can give using our time, talents, or kindness?

Create a “Giving Tree” with each leaf representing a way the child gave to someone—helping a sibling, sharing a toy, saying thank you, etc. Add leaves throughout November.

Resources

Grades 6 - 8

Time, Talent, Treasure

  • What are your talents or interests? How could you use them to help others?
  • Why do you think giving back is important in a community?
  • What’s one cause or issue you care about? How could you support it?

Host a family “Giving Brainstorm.” Students list ways they can give using their time (volunteering), talent (art, music, writing), and treasure (donations or fundraising). Choose one to act on together.

Resources

Grades 9 - 12

Purposeful Giving

  • What does “philanthropy” mean to you? Can anyone be a philanthropist?
  • How can giving shape your identity, leadership, or future goals?
  • What’s a social issue you care deeply about? How could you make an impact?

Write a “Giving Mission Statement.” Students reflect on their values and passions, then write a short statement about how they want to give back to their community or world—now and in the future.

Resources