Do you have young children? Perhaps you work in a nursery or school and struggle trying to get the message of charity across to energetic little ones?

Well, if you want to teach them the meaning of charity and its building blocks, you need to do it in a way they understand. Think about it for a moment; we teach children stories and lessons and social norms through entertaining things like fairy tales and nursery rhymes. So why not use the same sort of medium to educate them in charity?

The popular song Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes (Knees and Toes) is loved by children everywhere because of its simplicity, and its ability to become the toughest ear worm adults have ever faced.

It is also a good analogy for what it takes to be charitable in the modern world. Not only does it make the message clear and easy to digest for youngsters, but it also serves as a reminder to adults.

Read on to see what we mean when we say the building blocks of charity are heads, shoulders, knees and toes…

Head
A good head on your shoulders will help you to understand the complex issues and the bigger picture of what people face around the world. It will also enable you to come up with creative and innovative ways to help.

Shoulders
Strong shoulders that are both willing and able to take on the world’s burdens, in order to lessen them.

Knees
Sometimes, you need to be humble. Whether it’s using your knees for prayer, to ask for help, guidance and good things for others or simply to use them when you are humbled by the vast difference between your life and other trivial problems, and the daily battles faced by others.

And Toes
Toes are for walking, not treading on. Hit the streets for a fundraising fun run. Pack a bag and volunteer in regions most in need of your help. Tiptoe, stampede, but make sure you cover ground and actively invoke change.

And Eyes
We all need eyes that are open and able to see what is actually happening in the world. We don’t always get the full story on Facebook, in the news or from word of mouth. To see what is going on, you really need to tear off the rose-tinted glasses, take a deep breath, and look around with your eyes wide open.

And Ears
Your ears are invaluable tools. Not only can you hear those asking for help and pick up on what the state of affairs is in particular regions, but you can also hear inspirational messages that give you the motivation and conviction to do good; even when the going gets tough.

And Mouth
Those who are charitable become the mouthpiece for the greater good; they are the ones who can spread the word and raise awareness of charities like Islamic Help, as well as educate others on what is really happening in the world.

And Nose
Last but not least is your nose. To a certain degree, you need to be nosy when it comes to charity and helping those in need. Look around at what is going on around you and ‘nose around’ enough to find a cause you can get behind.

Yes, the very foundations of making a difference and practising charity are head, shoulders, knees and toes. Of course, the driving force behind it all is a good and compassionate heart, which makes any charitable person an unstoppable force.

So start the next generation of movers, shakers and difference-makers young, and take the opportunity to get involved and make a difference yourself, by supporting Islamic Help.