Children of all ages and stages should be encouraged to help out those who are less fortunate than themselves. No child is ever too young to participate in something like this. Schools can even put into their schedule a half-day a week that is known as the “caring project.” For example, a class can go visit a senior home. Or they can take people from a home with certain psychological problems for a walk. They can learn a little about pet therapy and those with pets at home can even bring them to people who are lonely (providing they get parental permission).
A great deal of what children should be learning in schools is behavioral as opposed to academic-related. Of course it is important for children to know where Asia is geographically and how to multiple 7 by 12 but just as crucial is knowing how to be a proud citizen and a credit to society and one’s family. This can be learned through working in communities that require extra help. Even preschoolers can be taken to places where people have disabilities to shine a light of happiness. In fact, sometimes, the younger the kid, the less judgmental they are and the more likely they will be to help those in need without making them feel like they are different.
There is absolutely no reason at all for schools not to make this kind of learning a top priority. If a child leaves school with academic excellence and a good name then the parents and teachers have succeeded in “educating” that child.