The idea behind it

Why we never ask for help

Can you help? → Can you be a helper?

In a study of three- to six-year-olds, children invited to be a helper helped more, across four different tasks, than children asked to help.

A name gives kids something to grow into. I’m a helper feels like a superpower, not a to-do.

Bryan, Master & Walton (2014), Child Development.

Find the one that fits your little one:

  • 🌱PlanterDrop seeds, pat the soil, and watch the garden grow.
  • 💧WatererKeep the plants happy with a watering can.
  • 🎨PainterBrighten up signs, rocks, and posters.
  • 🏃RunnerJoin a fun run or walk for a good cause.
  • 📖StorytellerShare a favourite story or read to a friend.
  • 💌Card MakerDraw pictures and notes for someone who needs a smile.
  • 📦PackerFill care kits with snacks, socks, or books to share.

What she's learning

How a seed becomes help

Money is abstract at five. A plant isn't. These six cards are the whole idea, in an order a child can hold.

01 Seed
02 Care
03 Plant
04 Gift
05 Donation
06 Help

The experiment

Twelve days, drop by drop

One photo a day, one small job each. Today is highlighted.

Sep 18 Planting day
Twelve pellets, three basil seeds each. One named Hope, one named Hero.
A tray of soil pellets, watered and ready ‹ › A small hand pressing a seed into a pellet ‹ › Close up of a seed going into the soil ‹ ›
Sep 19 Kind words
We sat and watched the cups, and said nice things to them. She is certain they can hear.
Sep 20 Terry Fox Run
We walked it, and told her why.
Sep 21 First sprouts
Tiny green loops pushing up. Two leaves the size of a fingernail.
First basil sprouts in their pellets ‹ › Seedlings on the windowsill ‹ › The whole tray, most pellets sprouting ‹ ›
Sep 22 Painting rocks
Hearts and suns, for the people who give.
Sep 23 Watching and waiting
Measuring the sprouts, and cheering the slow ones on.
Sep 24 Naming the plants
Decorating the cups, and picking a name for each one.
Sep 25 Sharing with her class
The tree goes to school, and she tells her friends the story.
Sep 26 Stand, day one
Take a plant, be a helper.
Sep 27 Stand, day two
Leaves added live as people give.
Sep 28 Counting up
Total raised, written on the chalkboard.
Sep 29 School Run
The whole tree, shown to her class.

The plant stand

Take a plant, be a helper

Sat 26 & Sun 27 September

Basil seedlings grown from seed, in decorated cups, for anyone in our neighbourhood and community who donates.

Donate — Terry Fox page