Dolly Parton - A primary school assembly on generosity
Updated: Aug 29
This Dolly Parton assembly for primary schools explores the life of one of the world’s best-known singers and the difference she has made beyond music. Through discussion and reflection, pupils discover how Dolly used her success to help others, particularly through her Imagination Library. Children are encouraged to think about the value of generosity and how they can use their own time, talents and abilities to make a difference to others.
Suitable for EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
Who is Dolly Parton?
Dolly Parton was born in Tennessee in 1946 and grew up in a large family with very little money. From these humble beginnings, she went on to become one of the world’s best-known country singers and songwriters, writing thousands of songs during her long career.
As well as being famous for her music, Dolly became an actress and businesswoman. However, her achievements are not limited to her career. She has also used her success, money and influence to help other people.
For children, Dolly’s story provides an opportunity to think about what success really means. Rather than simply focusing on what she achieved for herself, this assembly explores what she chose to do for others.
What is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library?
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library was created to encourage a love of books and reading from an early age. The programme provides books for young children, helping them to build their own collection of books at home.
What began as a small project has grown enormously, with millions of books being given to children around the world.
The inspiration for the Imagination Library came partly from Dolly’s own childhood. Her father, Robert Lee Parton, could not read or write. Dolly knew how this had affected someone she loved and decided to use her success to help give other children opportunities to become confident readers.
Her story provides a powerful example of how our own experiences can inspire us to make a difference to somebody else.
What can Dolly Parton teach children about generosity?
Generosity is about much more than giving away money. We can also be generous with our time, our talents, our abilities and the way we treat other people.
Dolly Parton had become extremely successful, but she chose to use some of that success to help others. Her Imagination Library shows children how one idea, beginning on a relatively small scale, can grow to make a difference to millions of people.
During the assembly, children are encouraged to consider what they already have that could help somebody else. This might be a particular talent, some of their time, their friendship or simply a willingness to notice when somebody needs help.
The assembly ends by challenging pupils to consider a simple question: How could you help someone today?
A Bible link for collective worship
For schools wishing to use the assembly as collective worship, the story of the Feeding of the 5,000 provides a natural link to the theme of generosity.
In the story, a young boy is willing to share the small amount of food he has – five loaves and two fish. Jesus uses his gift to feed thousands of people. The story reinforces the message that we do not need to have a huge amount to give; even something small can make a difference when we are willing to share it.
This assembly includes:
A ready-to-use PowerPoint
A clear, easy-to-follow script
Discussion and reflection questions
Optional collective worship slides
A linked Bible story and prayer
FAQs
What is the main value explored in this Dolly Parton assembly?
The main value is generosity. Children explore how generosity can include sharing our time, talents and abilities as well as giving money or possessions.
Is this assembly just about Dolly Parton’s music?
No. While the assembly introduces children to Dolly’s successful career, its main focus is the work she has done to encourage children to read and the story behind her Imagination Library.
Is this suitable for collective worship?
Yes. Optional collective worship slides link the theme of generosity to the Feeding of the 5,000 from John 6:1–14, with a short prayer to close the worship.
Do I need to plan anything for this assembly?
No, all of our assemblies are ready-to-deliver. Simply download, read the plan and deliver.
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