Resource

Make a Difference in a Day

A social action drop-down day for primary schools.

Overview

The Make a Difference in a Day resource pack has been created for teachers who want to deliver a drop down day with children focusing on making a difference to a community space that’s important to them.

This free package of resources comprises:

  • Set of teachers’ notes;
  • PowerPoint slides;
  • Pupil workbook;
  • Social action activity suggestions;
  • Stimulus pictures.

Taken together, the resources lead children through a mini community project focused on an issue identified as a local concern, such as tackling the problem of air pollution caused by traffic, protecting local biodiversity, improving access to community buildings or tackling issues of litter and plastic pollution.

Make a Difference in a Day is designed to be used with either the whole school, a year group, or a single class. It’s primarily pitched at key stage 2 pupils, but can be adapted for younger – or older – pupils.

The production of this resource was made possible through generous funding from the Co-op Community Foundation Community Spaces programme, which encourages and supports young people to identify and improve community spaces near them for the benefit of other young people and the wider community. 

Suggested next steps:

More Lessons resources

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Challenging Stereotypes

This lesson is divided into two parts. In the first section of the lesson pupils will develop an understanding of the term ‘stereotype’, identify examples of stereotypical opinions and discuss…

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

What is Tax?

During this lesson, students will look at the purpose and collection of taxes. They will explore how public services are largely funded through the payment of taxes and learn how…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Law Makers (SmartLaw Subscription)

In this lesson students examine what the rule of law is and why we need it. They consider how and why laws are made in the UK and what the…

More Community resources

Lessons, Community, KS2 (ages 7-11)

COP: Climate Action

In November 2021, COP26 took place in Glasgow. It was the most pivotal climate summit of all time. This resources will explore what COP is and what COP26 aimed to…

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Democracy (Part 2): Local and Central Government

This lesson forms the second part of a three-part unit on democracy. Pupils learn about the function of central and local government and the difference between MPs and councillors. Pupils explore…

Lessons, Community, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Understanding Cancer

Many children in classrooms all around the country are dealing with cancer in one way or another at any given time. This lesson seeks to answer some of their questions…

More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Protecting Local Habitats (KS2)

In this lesson pupils will learn about the importance of habitats and explore endangered British species and the threats to their habitat. Pupils will be guided through ways in which…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Litter: The Picnic

In this lesson pupils will follow the story of the Go-Givers having a picnic.  Pupils will think about the problems caused by littering and how they can take responsibility for…

Lessons, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Difficult Decisions

Over a series of short sessions, pupils will have the opportunity to consider simple social and moral dilemmas which may arise in day to day life. Pupils will be encouraged…

More KS2 (ages 7-11) resources

Lessons, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

How Can I Make a Difference?

In this lesson pupils will think about how they can plan a social action project. They will be led through key steps by following the example of the Go-Givers.  …

Certificates, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Caring About Other People’s Feelings (certificate)

Our pupil certificates are linked to 12 ethos statements, such as We Care About How Others Feel. Each statement supports character development and the acquisition of key citizenship skills The values,…

Certificates, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Working as Part of a Team (certificate)

Our pupil certificates are linked to 12 ethos statements, such as We Work as a Team. Each statement supports character development and the acquisition of key citizenship skills The values, skills…