As a kindergarten teacher, you can image how hectic things may get. However, I know through years of experience that I must continue to be my bubbly self, show lots of positivity and teach students how to be kind to each other on a consistent basis. Positive benefits will soon rub off on even the most challenging students when kindness is infused within the classroom. Some students need to be explicitly taught what kindness looks like and what kindness sounds like. We just can't assume that students come to school knowing the powerful effects of kindness.
To teach students what kindness means, you could begin with defining it.
kind·ness
ˈkīn(d)nəs/
noun
- the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.You may also want to use the Frayer model to discuss the characteristics, examples and non-examples.
You could have students describe what it looks like and sounds like to a thinking partner. Students could work in partners or in small groups to make their own drawings or posters to show kindness. I think this activity would be best to work with others as they need to show kindness qualities as they cooperatively work in pairs or groups. Have students share their work with the class. Students could also act out ways to be kind in several different settings. Ask how they can show kindness in their school, at home or in their community.
Students need to understand that kindness does not require money and it can take just a little bit of their time.
Here are just a few easy ways to show examples:
*Smile as you pass by others.
*Send someone a random note of appreciation.
*Hold the door open for others to pass by.
*Offer to help out a friend who is struggling with their work.*Read a book to others.
*Invite someone new to play a game.
*Offer to help out your parents with chores around the house without being asked to do so, such as setting the table, dusting, doing laundry or sweeping the floor.
*Clean up an area around your home, school or local park.
*Offer to let a classmate go before you in line.
*Donate unwanted toys, clothing or books to those in need.
* Make a card or a craft and send it to a senior center or nursing home.
*Collect canned goods and donate to a local food bank.
*Help out around the class without being asked to do so, such as passing out papers, organizing a book shelf, sweeping the floor or washing the tables.
*Try to make sure every person in a group conversation feels included.
*Return a lost item and try to find its rightful owner.
*Tell random people walking by to have a good day.
In the amazing district that I am working in, our school will be participating in the 2017 Kind Coins for Pakistan. The money raised will help build a new school and peace center in Quetta, Pakistan. Teachers will challenge students to show acts of kindness throughout each day and each classroom will record some of the acts of kindness on strips of paper to assemble together to make a paper chain. Each classroom will bring their completed chains to the auditorium and we will hang it proudly. We plan on surprising another elementary school within our district with decorated posters signed by all the students within our school and popsicles to enjoy at lunch. We plan on giving them a Skype during their morning gathering to share the good news and stating "Your School is Cool." I think the kids will love receiving the popsicle treats. Students will be making Valentine Cards and sending them to area nursing homes. It should be a fun filled week and I can't wait to get started. Teachers and students decorated their doors to kick off this special event. (See photo above) You can grab a freebie by Especially Education to get this awesome lettering to make this banner along with a couple of others.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kindness-Banners-Multiple-Freebies-2798401
We also have special spirit days scheduled throughout the week.
Monday : Peace Love Kindness Day (wear a positive message, Peace sign)
Tuesday: Powered by Kindness Day (dress up as a superhero, wear a cape)
Wednesday: Crazy for Kindness Day (dress up in crazy clothes or wear a crazy hair style)
Thursday: Ride the Wave to Kindness Day (dress up in beach/surfer attire)
Friday: Kindness the Our School Way Day (dress up in Spirit Wear) students will wear our school colorsMost importantly, I feel that throughout your discussions it is important that students understand that you should not expect anything in return for doing an act of kindness. Kindness comes from the heart! Too often kids expect a reward or recognition for the least little thing. Yes, it is important to praise kiddos when you see kindness happening in your classroom, however we can't overdue it or we will lose the true meaning of its effectiveness.REMEMBER