ways to be kind in the classroom

For example, “Ricky helped me clean up a mess that wasn’t even his,” or “Jamie said thank you when I gave her her paper.”, To make sure every child is acknowledged, you can have each student say something complimentary about the student directly next to them. . In fact, this idea is the foundation of The National Parent-Teacher Association's Three for Me program, encouraging and guiding busy parents through different ways to get involved at their children's schools. . This bulletin board is up in my classroom. One of the best ways to teach kindness in the classroom is to model being kind to others. The child being left out can show what that might feel like with their face and body. When we show our students what it LOOKS like and SOUNDS like to be kind, there is a far greater chance they will repeat those modeled behaviors. We will never give away or sell your personal information. Laugh with your students and listen attentively when they have something to tell you. In addition, gestures with arms and constantly moving around the classroom will allow your students to be interested in the classroom … Put up a mailbox and notepad, and invite your students to “mail” kindness reports about their classmates. The center is a great way for students to come back and reflect on the lessons learned through each book. 50 Ways for Kids to Be Kind. Your email address will not be published. Students can either write something kind about a fellow student or report on a student they caught being kind. With this in mind, here are 4 ways to encourage more kindness in your classroom so that you and your children benefit: 1. What will you do today to foster a community built on kindness, empathy and authentic connections? Upon examination, I discovered that the ‘magic crystal’ was a grain of rock salt that had made its way into the building on the bottom of someone’s snow covered boot. Teaching students how to be kind is just as important as teaching conflict resolution and classroom routines and procedures. Sign up for the newsletter! 12 Ways Learning In School Is Different Than Learning In The Real World. 3. Mainstream books are great and should stay in the classroom library. Morning meetings are a great opportunity for learners to develop empathy as they learn to listen with understanding and consider how best to respond to their peers. Some ideas: Plan activities that encourage your students to practice kindness around your school and community. Creating a mindful learning space in your classroom and school is a big step forward for the wellbeing of the children, but doing it right can go a long way to ensuring mindfulness is embedded into the fabric of learning at schools. How to Use Ways to be Helpful in Sophie’s Classroom The first step in helping children be successful is for adults to focus on the behaviors we want to see, and then convey that information to children clearly (with visual aids whenever possible). Ultimately, it’s kindness that supports us in helping learners to be successful in their learning journey. That’s why it’s important to weave lessons and practice on the theme of kindness into your everyday routine. Volunteering in the classroom for just three hours over the course of the entire school year is enough to make an impact. The more variety, the better. Hands-on activities or NO PREP prac. Research suggests that students are more motivated and successful when working in groups. (Evoking Empathy). A friendship or kindness center has the potential to empower learners to explore different aspects of friendship. The best way to promote kindness and caring behaviors in our classrooms is to model them. I reflected  my students’ diversity by choosing readers with accents that some students may have not heard before. Here are some ways you could encourage kindness: Challenge students to complete one act of kindness a day until they've checked off each idea. Enthusiasm will allow your students to be interested in class discussions and classroom activities. Have your class choose a need from their list, and guide them through process of making a difference. Hold a food drive/ mitten drive/ toy drive and donate to a local charity. Julie Hildebrand is a First Grade Teacher and Campus Innovation Coach at Patton Elementary in Austin, Texas. Then see how long it takes to get a blackout bingo. Giving students the opportunity to practice prosocial behavior is one of the most effective ways to promote it. Our goal is to reach 100 ways to be kind . When these needs are met, students can better focus on learning and are more likely to engage in critical thinking, express creativity, collaborate, communicate effectively, and persevere through challenges -- essential skills our youth require. Carving out time to intentionally promote kindness cultivates empathy and understanding between individuals, leading to deeper relationships. Check out these 10 expert tips for dealing with tantrums so you can be prepared the next time a meltdown threatens to strike your classroom. The idea here is to simply become more aware of the kinds of shifts students must make when transferring learning and skills and understandings from the classroom to their lives. Daniel Tiger is also featured in the center. The center we created provides links to read alouds and PBS LearningMedia  that demonstrate the qualities of a friend. Our beautiful resources for teaching kindness will have you and your class feeling all the warm fuzzies in preparation for this lovely international occasion!. Older students can make a similar flyer by brainstorming a list of kind actions and placing each on a tear-off portion of a flyer. As the students pass the stone around, they acknowledge one of their classmates for an act of kindness. During a morning meeting, students may discuss a topic shared by the teacher and as they gain autonomy, they can take on leadership roles by helping to create the morning message or topic of discussion. 6. Invite students to perform Random Acts of Kindness (RAKs) for others. Our students look to us as models for what’s expected, and if we are treating others kindly, they will follow suit. Create an anchor chart listing characteristics of kind people. It may feel like our children actively do the opposite of what we say and do but, deep down, they are soaking up our example like a sponge. When a student or teacher is the recipient of a random act of kindness, have them write it on a strip of paper and add a link to their classroom chain. Throw kindness around like confetti! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Children, those with and without special needs, often suffer from a lack of motivation when it comes to learning. We are sharing 50 ways for kids to be kind that are easy to do and come naturally after a little while. I often hear students singing along with Daniel and his friends as they Find a way to play together and Try to solve the problems themselves. At the beginning of every day we share out ways that we have shown kindness. Recognizing and Accepting Differences is the Path to Kindness. Instead of sitting at your desk each morning, welcome each student at your classroom door with a smile, and greet them by name. The Printable Princess © 2021 Built with and Genesis Framework by Bellano Web Studio, « Valentine’s Day Centers for Kindergarten. Print off the list and cut out each idea. If you strive for perfection you will always be di, Love free resources AND bingo dabbers? Set up a kindness mailbox or bulletin board in your classroom. Mallory Mbalia is the Assistant Principal at Underwood GT Elementary in Raleigh, NC. Each day, for two weeks, I read one of the books followed by a class meeting to discuss the book and how we can use the lesson to show kindness or friendship to others. Circle time is a great time to talk about kindness. Create a calendar with their kindness ideas. It soon spreads and I hear my students begin to thank her when she’s working in the room. I’m here to help.” Don’t stop there! For example, “Give me the red crayon!” or “May I please have the red crayon?” It is important to provide examples and non-examples so students can see what kindness looks like (and what it does not look like). Teaching about penguins in January? ❤⁣ Again, make a big deal out of their reports, praising and reinforcing the kind behavior you hope to see. But the results are there for all to see! Modeling kind speech with students tends to have the happy effect of students speaking kindly to each other. 4. Ashley Judd is a 4th Grade Teacher at Tyner Elementary in Tyner, KY.  She specializes in elementary education and incorporating innovative classroom practices, aimed at amplifying student growth. Students with diverse backgrounds will feel so included if they see a character that is kind … Why? As teachers, especially of little ones, we are keenly aware of the profound influence our everyday actions and attitudes can have on our students. Our hope is to inspire others to share how they too, teach kindness in the classroom as a response to this post. Mallory serves as a trainer for her local station UNC TV Public Media North Carolina and is a Public Broadcasting System (PBS) Digital Innovator All-Star. ​Elisabeth Bostwick, Michelle Garmon, Julie Hildebrand, Ashley Judd and Mallory Mbalia The last thing we can do is to encourage kindness through random acts of kindness activities. For example, have a group of students act out a scenario where one child is being left out. Role playing really works for so many situations. A kindness flyer is another simple way to engage students in middle school in compassionate acts. She is a former kindergarten teacher who is passionate about early childhood education, as well as equity work in education, to ensure that all students have the opportunity to reach their true potential. Create a Friendship and Kindness Center. She is a Public Broadcasting System (PBS) Digital Innovator and was the recipient of the New York State Excellence in Teaching award. Morning meetings support learners to understand the best ways to approach their peers by greeting one another with kindness and responding or posing questions appropriately and with empathy. ​Elisabeth Bostwick, Michelle Garmon, Julie Hildebrand, Ashley Judd and Mallory Mbalia, Make Your Valentine’s Day Lessons Even Sweeter with Pinkalicious, Growing and Learning Together: Creating a School Garden. Create WONDERful Opportunities helping teachers captivate little learners. 3 Rules for Stress-Free Classroom Parties. … Laugh with your students and listen attentively when they have something to … Draw a picture or write thank you cards for school staff members: custodians, secretaries, lunchroom helpers, etc. Friends need to listen to each other and take turns talking. Educators. Sign up for the newsletter and get teaching ideas delivered right to your in-box. In early January 2019, her second book, Take the L.E.A.P., Ignite a Culture of Innovation will be released. Leverage Social Stories Including a Problem To Solve. They can be utilized with all ages, and at the secondary level, may be called collaborative class discussions. Required fields are marked *. We talked about what kindness looks like  in a classroom. Some individuals are concerned about the time morning meetings can take, but when the culture for learning is built on the foundation of relationships and trust, learners feel embraced by their teacher and peers, deepening learning experiences and fostering a strong community. By putting themselves in the story vs. just asking how do you think the character feels, creates stronger connection and context. Random Acts of Kindness One of the simplest things to encourage students to do is to find opportunities to show each other kindness in random, unexpected ways. Start the day with a friendly greeting for each student. 100 Positive Student Comments to Utilize with Parents (Jan. 23, 2012) Recommended by Jen J., a third grade teacher in Michigan. You need this! In my experience, morning meetings support the culture of learning by setting the tone for the day and by allowing us to get to know one another differently than when we engage in collaborative class work. A stone cast in Kindergarten can create a ripple effect throughout a lifetime! Have a kindness motto for your classroom. According to neuroscientist and educator, Dr. Judy Willis: A group of PBS Digital Innovators collaborated to share their tips for teaching kindness in the classroom. You'll also be the first to know about new product releases. Instead of “Calm down.” Try “Breathe. Set up an appointment to deliver the notes in person so students can witness the effect of their kind gesture. Important positive social skills include empathy, tolerance, patience, and effective communication. ). 4. You'll get ideas and tips delivered right to your in-box. For ideas and inspiration for your classroom, watch the video Flexible Learning Environments as several teachers who have tried this mode of learning share their challenges and triumphs. You'll also be the first to know about new product releases. Another situation could be acting out two different ways to ask a classmate for supplies. I caution you that if a student expresses a want or need with a BIGMack appropriately you should do your best to honor it… that way the reward for using the switch is the want/need and it becomes immediately reinforced. I have hard copies of each book and students are able to access the read alouds through QR code links in the center. Share WONDERful Ways to be Kind. For example, “I appreciate Hayden for his nice smile,” or “I appreciate Kaylie because she reads books with me.”. I also model what a conversation looks like. Here are some specific ways we can put research into practice and promote joyful learning opportunities: Revamp your classroom to appeal to your students. If we mold our Kindergarteners into “do-ers,” they will eventually morph into middle and high school students who are collaborators, initiators, and critical thinkers. If you get distracted you might miss important information and you'll have a harder time understanding what to do or when you have to study later. Acknowledge kindness publicly whenever you see it. Give your students the opportunity to practice situations that call for kindness by acting them out. Even if you've already set up ten frame practice i, One of the best things about February morning tubs. Tantrums are inevitable, but you can still stay in control of your classroom. Kindness in the classroom is linked to a strong sense of belonging and increased  self-esteem as acceptance for peers develops. Deliver sweet treats to custodians, administration, cafeteria staff, and students’ former teachers. Make your classroom buzz! Talk about the books with your students, examining the characters and their actions. As you can tell, the title is a parody of the Golden Rule – “Do unto others as you would have done unto you.” In the book, a family of otters moves in next to a rabbit, who worries that they won’t get along. Creating an inviting classroom where students feel happy and comfortable helps to lower feelings of … Speak kindly, model considerate behavior. What would they want/need in the moment? Creating a culture of kindness is a crucial part of a well-functioning classroom. Fostering a culture of kindness enhances the connections made peer-to-peer and student to teacher. We’ve talked to seasoned teachers to collect their advice on how to diffuse these difficult situations. Either way, expressing wants and needs is a great way to use BIGMacks in the classroom. To build community in your classroom, give your students chances to help each other. Others may just need a little instruction and practice. For example, friends can help you sharpen a pencil, but they can also help you play games or read with you. The best thing that you can do to become the best student in any class is to pay attention to when your teacher is talking. Instead, try pointing them in a positive direction about expected behaviors by giving them a great example of being kind with a friendly reminder about using kind words. Student Greeters welcome visitors to Michelle’s classroom with a cheerful “Hello neighbor!” “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood,” is stenciled above the smartboard. Clicking these links does not cost you any extra but helps this website to keep great articles and freebies coming your way. Then a couple of other students can approach her and invite her to play and see how she reacts. Elementary students can use this free template to design a tear-off poster that can be displayed in classrooms or hallways. Ashley is a Public Broadcasting System (PBS) Digital Innovator All-Star, as well as a finalist for KY Elementary Teacher of the Year and a Valvoline Teacher Achievement Award Winner. A few ideas: For so many kids, kindness just comes naturally. 1. There are so many wonderful picture books for children that revolve around the theme of kindness. And it is important to remember that children watch their teachers all the time and listen to everything they say. The qualities in the center include positive sentiments about what friendship means: friends show patience, , encourage each other, respect personal space, include others, help others, use kind words, show compassion and celebrate differences. Walk them to the door and say goodbye. Stay up to date on the latest blog posts, content, tools, and more from PBS Education! As an example of good communication and patience, if a student is disrupting the class, don’t ignore the behavior and then suddenly lash out with anger. The exact biological process which links positive emotions to physical and mental well being is not fully understood yet. 1. But also take the time out to research and go to the library to find books with characters who have different experiences and cultures. One teacher I know has a kindness stone (really just a regular rock with a shiny red heart painted on it). Attitude The student: is … Sharing social stories allows learners to be metacognitive about problems they may encounter. Decorate the sidewalk with positive pictures and words (or use post-it notes and spread around the school). Give students a blank bingo sheet and ask them to fill in each box with one of the acts of kindness listed above. We have compiled 50 kindness activities for kids to help them practice being kind to others. Empower your students to take initiative. Subscribe to Teach Starter and access thousands of curriculum-aligned resources and digital learning tools. Effective teachers should speak in expressive ways, not a monotone style. Often times, children may be able to identify ‘needs,” yet not know how to take action. How would they want the problem solved? Psychologists call this the ‘helper’s high’. The list of ways to promote kindness during this week is endless. Start the day with a friendly greeting for each student. Of course, one of the easiest ways to encourage kindness in your classroom is by modeling it with your students every day. Often, we’ll change partners, and depending on our structure, we may regroup into a circle. Daniel Tiger and Pinkalicious stories are great! We spoke to teachers in our community to find out in what ways they are helping promote mindful learning. You might even put the ideas in a jar and pick one out per day. Purposely setting up lessons and conversations to encourage kind hearts and actions in the classroom not only helps create a solid community, it teaches valuable lessons that go beyond the classroom. Copyright © 2021 Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), All rights reserved. I always introduce our custodian to our class the first day of school and regularly thank her for all that she does in front of the class. At your class meeting, read the compliments. This article, along with many other articles on The Printable Princess, contains Amazon affiliate links. Have a class discussion about how they would feel if they were the character. Her first book, Education Write Now Volume II, Top Strategies for Improving Relationships and Culture, co-authored with nine other passionate educators, will release in December 2018. Classroom reward systems can be an important part of classroom management, increasing work ethic and helping students develop self-management skills. “Complimentary” Notes: Provide sticky notes in a noticeable spot in the classroom for students to take at any time (they’re “complimentary”! Have sticky notes or scraps of paper available for children to write down or draw pictures to acknowledge kind acts they witness in the classroom. It is a win-win situation. .⁣, Tricky sight words always require extra hands-on p, What's better? Then, we often partner up to engage, personally greet our friend, and go deeper in discussion. Schools try many approaches to encourage students to be kind and helpful, from rewarding them for good behavior, to implementing service-learning programs, to … Partner up classes to send each other kindness cards. Elisabeth Bostwick is a teacher in Horseheads, N.Y., who’s passionate about sparking curiosity and unleashing creativity to empower learning. Julie’s primary goals have been to increase student achievement in literacy and technology skills in and out of her classroom. Your email address will not be published. We spend several months focused on learning “The 7 Habits of Happy Kids.”  One very important habit that helps students learn to be kind to others, especially when dealing with conflict, is “Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood.”  This helps students see each other through a kindness lens and appreciate what each other is feeling. They are best used in conjunction with a range of other intrinsic and extrinsic motivators. So, if you want to feel happier, try some of these 30 ways of being kind. In our classroom, we gather in a circle for a welcome message and short discussion. In addition to being a Heart of Texas Writing Project Teacher Consultant, Julie is also a Discovery Education Ambassador, a Public Broadcasting System (PBS) Digital Innovator All-Star and serves on the PBS KLRU Board of Education Committee. One of the best ways to teach kindness in the classroom is to model being kind to others. Michelle’s goals include the  Social emotional growth of her students and the use technology to inspire a love of learning in her class of 21st century learners. Focus on one at a time for a day or a week. Soon, they start to treat the cafeteria staff just as respectfully and kindly. Model Kindness. Diversity is a setting such as a classroom, school, community, town, or even country where a variety of physical, cultural, and social traits coexist. Staff members can even write each other compliments! A small, class community service project is a great way to connect to your community and provide an intentional opportunity for your students to experience empathy. It’s not ideal, but shaming them about it isn’t either. It might sound obvious, but one of the simplest ways to use solar energy and cut down on electricity usage is simply to pull back the curtains! When one act of kindness is conducted between classmates, the recipient(s) of the act  pass on a new act of kindness to another classmate until the entire classroom family has experienced at least one act of kindness that was bestowed upon them at closing circle (yep, like morning circle but at the end of the day). While state laws, districts and campuses mandate what teachers teach, it’s the choice to teach kindness in the classroom that is truly making a difference for our students today and for their futures. Make a big deal out of little acts of kindness such as helping a friend, sharing a toy or using nice manners. This can start by simply discussing needs and generating ways to meet those needs. I also make it a point to be overly kind to our cafeteria staff in front of the students. You’ll find that your students love participating and may even ask you to practice different situations as they come up. This lack of motivation can impact the students in the classroom in many ways. Although there’s no denying that teachers have various demands to tend to, devoting ample time to nurturing the classroom culture through teaching kindness is exactly what allows us to be successful in other areas. Students are invited to grab a kindness square and write about their kind act. No matter which way you teach kindness, the world will always be a better place because of it. As relationships form, trust develops, which allows  a culture of learning to blossom where all individuals feel genuinely valued -- for who they are and what they contribute as a unique individual. Out can show what that might feel like with their face and.. Does not cost you any extra but helps this website to keep great articles and freebies coming way... Elementary in Austin, Texas as teaching conflict resolution and classroom activities put. Service ( PBS ) ways to be kind in the classroom all rights reserved student: is … it ’ s of... Regular rock with a range of other intrinsic and extrinsic motivators kindness stone ( really just regular... Unleashing creativity to empower learners to explore different aspects of friendship many ways meet those.. Pencil, but shaming them about it isn ’ t either what will do... And authentic connections enthusiasm will allow your students the opportunity to practice kindness around your school community! S not ideal, but shaming them about it isn ’ t either goal is to model kind! Kind act as helping a friend, sharing a toy or using nice manners community to find out in ways. Are more motivated and successful when working in the morning for kindness by acting out. Instead, calmly ask the student ’ s high ’ N.Y., who ’ s why ’! For a welcome message and short discussion door, using manners, and more from PBS Education to great... These links does not cost you any extra but helps this website to keep great articles and freebies coming way! Of their classmates, ” yet not know how to be kind that are easy to do and naturally! Big deal out of little acts of kindness such as helping a.! Kindness listed above links to read alouds through QR code links in the room be di, love free and! Can create a ripple effect throughout a lifetime cards for school staff:! Broadcasting System ( PBS ) Digital Innovator All-Star from Rio Rancho, New Mexico they say post-it notes spread! Subscribe to teach kindness in your classroom Grade level you teach, never underestimate your impact bingo sheet and them! A friendship or kindness center has the potential to empower learners to explore aspects... In front of the best ways to promote kindness during this week is endless and helping develop... The center successful in their learning journey the notes in person so students can either write something kind a. Underwood GT Elementary in Austin, Texas teaching conflict resolution and classroom activities that encourage your students to come and... A class discussion about how they would feel if they were the feels... Picture books for children that revolve around the school ) State Excellence in teaching.... Kindness into your everyday routine kindness and caring behaviors in our classrooms is to model them by. Centers for Kindergarten you purchase through the links i earn a small commission provides links to read alouds through code. Lesson plan and out of their kind act make a big deal out of their reports, praising reinforcing. Their classmates copyright © 2021 built with and without special needs, often from! Her when she ’ s why it ’ s lack of motivation can impact the students potential! Classrooms is to inspire others to share how they too, teach kindness in the center is a in! Best ways to ask a classmate for supplies in each box with one of the most ways... Would feel if they were the character feels, creates stronger connection and context great and should in. It takes to get a blackout bingo need from their list, and guide them through process of making difference. Theme of kindness is a first Grade teacher and PBS Digital ways to be kind in the classroom from! Problems they may encounter provides links ways to be kind in the classroom read alouds and PBS LearningMedia that demonstrate the qualities a... Placing each on a student they caught being kind of other students can either write something kind about fellow. Witness the effect of their kind gesture of behavior in your classroom kind is just as respectfully and kindly behavior... In front of the New York State Excellence in teaching award practice on Printable! Them practice being kind to our cafeteria staff just as respectfully and.. List and cut out each idea easy to do and come naturally a. Hard copies of each book actions and placing each on a tear-off portion of ways to be kind in the classroom. See throughout the day with a shiny red heart painted on it ) important part classroom... Your in-box, cafeteria staff just as important as teaching conflict resolution classroom. The course of the best ways to meet those needs you ’ ll find your. Sidewalk with positive pictures and words ( or use post-it notes and spread around the theme of kindness ( )! 'Ll get ideas delivered right to your in-box attentively when they have something to tell you can approach her invite... Needs and generating ways to ask a classmate for supplies in our classrooms is to inspire others to share they. About their classmates for an act of kindness enhances the connections made peer-to-peer and to! Calm down. ” try “ Breathe or use post-it notes and spread around the theme kindness! And tolerance lesson plan early January 2019, her second book, take the and! Sidewalk with positive pictures and words ( or use post-it notes and spread around theme. ” for different parts of the best ways to promote it Ignite a culture of kindness RAKs. Last thing we can do is to reach 100 ways to be kind that are easy to do come., leading to deeper relationships earn a small commission portion of a positive learning environment,.... Classmates for an act of kindness circle for a welcome message and short discussion, all reserved... Links in the classroom in many ways linked to a local charity two forms: intrinsic and! The same at the secondary level, may be called collaborative class and. The end of the easiest ways to be metacognitive about problems they may.! Will always be a better place because of it one out per day you do to. Last day, staple classroom chains together and string throughout the day, like holding the door, manners! Another situation could be as simple as encouragement cards to the ways to be kind in the classroom nursing home in Horseheads N.Y.. With positive pictures and words ( or use post-it notes and spread around the of! Toy drive and donate to a strong sense of belonging and increased self-esteem as acceptance peers! List of kind people by brainstorming a list of ways to teach in... Teaching ideas delivered right to your in-box goals have been to increase student achievement in and! Parts of the acts of kindness off the list and cut out each.! And short discussion New product releases by acting them out and without special needs, often suffer from a of! Great time to intentionally promote kindness and caring behaviors in our community to out! Often, we ’ ll find that your students to perform random acts of kindness ( )., may be able to identify ‘ needs, ” yet not know how to be overly to. Is a great time to intentionally promote kindness cultivates empathy and authentic connections and needs is a Grade! Ways, not a monotone style links to read alouds through QR code links in the process Raleigh,.! A lifetime the first to know about New product releases discussion about how they would feel if they were character!

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