CHARACTER COUNTS! Kindness 101

Altruism – Indiana Town Honors Longtime Gravedigger

Altruism is about doing things for others to ensure their well-being. When we show altruism, we can ensure that everyone has what they need.
Altruism
Grade Level: K-12
 
Character Skills
  • Trustworthiness
  • Good Citizenship
SEL Skills
  • Relationship Skills
  • Social Awareness
Academic Skills
  • Diligent Leaner
  • Self-Direction and Engagement

Definitions

Trustworthiness
  • Be honest. Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal.
  • Have integrity. Do what you say you’ll do.
  • Keep your promises.
  • Be loyal. Stand by your values.
Good Citizenship
  • Do your share to make your home, school, and community better.
  • Cooperate.
  • Stay informed. Vote.
  • Be a good neighbor.
  • Make choices that protect the safety and rights of others.
  • Protect the environment.
Relationship Skills

Create positive relationships and meaningful connections with family members, classmates, and teachers.

Social Awareness

Assess and be sensitive to the feelings and needs of others.

Diligent Learner

Have a growth mindset and is willing to learn from mistakes.

Self-Direction and Engagement

Fully engaged in the educational process and connected to the school community.

Learn more about our character, SEL, and academic outcomes.
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The Ray Center at Drake University
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Students will simulate the idea of altruism and reflect on why giving is far better than receiving.

Download Google Slides
activiate prior knowledge

Activate Prior Knowledge

  • What does it mean to be generous?
  • What is the definition of altruism?
    • Altruism is all about doing things for others to make sure they are taken care of while not expecting any personal gain from one’s supportive actions.
  • Ask students to make connections between the definition of altruism and their ideas about generosity.
Kindness 101

Kindness 101 Video

discussion

Discussion Prompts

  • Thinking back to the video, why did the town of Galveston want to honor Allen?
  • How do you think Allen felt when the town honored him for his generous heart and spirit?
  • When is showing altruism important?
materials

Activity Materials

  • Index cards
  • Writing utensils
activity

Activity: Altruistic Solutions

  • Students will practice having an altruistic mindset through an activity similar to the popular game “Headbands.”
  • Give each student an index card. Instruct them to think of situations at school when someone may need help. 
  • Students should write down one situation on their index card, big enough for someone else to read it easily.
    • For example: a friend forgot their homework or was injured at recess/playing sports.
  • Collect the index cards and shuffle them together.
  • Pass out one notecard to each student, with the writing facing down. Tell students they should not look at their notecards.
  • When the game starts, students hold the notecard to their foreheads and walk around the room. They should ask other students, “How would you help me?” 
  • After reading what is on each other’s notecards, the students should offer ways they could help the other person and practice altruism. The goal is for each student to guess what is on the notecard on their foreheads, based on the help that others offer.
  • As students guess what is on their notecards, they can swap out their notecards with others that have been guessed successfully to keep the game going.
  • You may remind students at the beginning of the game that one way to practice altruism is to make sure their classmate’s notecards are facing the correct way to be read from their forehead.
  • Follow-up questions:
    • Was it easy or difficult to think of ways to help?
    • What makes it difficult to help others in real life? How can we overcome that challenge?
journal prompts

Journal Prompts

K-5

  • How can you be altruistic or generous towards others?
  • When have you witnessed someone being generous? How did it make you feel?

6-12

  • What does it feel like to be altruistic and give your time, resources, and talents?
  • If you could show generosity to someone in your life, who would it be, and what would you give them?
family connection

Family Connection

Educators: Copy the Family Connection and email it to parents, or click here to download a PDF version to email or print.

Watch
Watch the video as a family: https://youtu.be/ffdt2hqIxK4

Discuss
Use these questions to start meaningful conversations about altruism.

  • Why did Galveston honor Allen?
  • Who is one of the most generous people you know, and why?
  • How can we show altruism to one another in this family?

Activity

  • Bake some cookies or write a card for someone in your family or community who has a generous heart. Deliver the cookies or card to them and let them know how their altruism has impacted your lives.

More Kindness 101

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