Students are introduced to the power of kindness through words or actions and encouraged to aim for one kind word or action a day.
Objectives
- Cognitive: Students will be able to describe how a kind word/action can positively affect themselves and others.
- Affective: Students will develop empathy and identify ways to be understanding of others.
Materials
Journals, writing utensils
Teacher Prep
Optional: Write quote(s) on the board.
Exercises
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 min |
|
|
| 2 min |
Optional: Have them discuss powerful kindness quotes. |
Sample quotes: Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. ~Mark Twain
Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end. ~Scott Adams |
| 10 min | Choose 1 of the following:
Option 1: Have students write for 3 minutes about one kind or thoughtful thing they can do today to make someone in their life feel valued. Ask them to write down:
Have students share in pairs, small groups, or to the class either what they plan to do and/or how it feels to plan kind actions for another person. Option 2: Have each student write his or her name on a small piece of paper and place in a box or basket. Have each student draw one person’s name. For that person, ask students to write on the back of the paper:
Have students place the papers back into the box or basket. If necessary, read through them first. Distribute to the students whose names are on the papers. If you do not wish students to receive individual messages, you could read aloud the kind words without mentioning names. Have students share in pairs, small groups, or to the class how it feels to offer kind words to another person. |
|
| 3 min | Wrap up the activity by asking how it feels to both give and receive kindness. | Optional discussion: How might you know that a friend, acquaintance or family member is in need of kindness? |
Teacher Reflection
How did you feel after the activity? Did students participate and seem engaged?
Remember to ask the students to share their feedback on the activity: What went well? What suggestions do they have for making the activity better? Think about what you might do differently next time.
Emotional Intelligence Tips
- Ensure all students have an equal chance to share
- Encourage students to be respectful, open, and reserve judgment
- Auditory Cues: ”Friends” “Peer” “Support”