CHARACTER COUNTS! Kindness 101

Kindness – How a Simple Act of Kindness Transformed a Boy’s Birthday

When we look at the people around us, we do not always know what they are going through. By showing kindness, we can help others know they are cared for.

Kindness
Grade Level: K-12
 
Character Skills
  • Respect
  • Caring
SEL Skills
  • Relationship Skills
  • Social Awareness
Academic Skills
  • Curiosity and Passion

Definitions

Respect
  • Follow the Golden Rule.
  • Be accepting of differences.
  • Be courteous to others.
  • Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements.
  • Be considerate of others’ feelings.
Caring
  • Be kind.
  • Be compassionate.
  • Express gratitude.
  • Forgive others.
  • Be considerate of others’ feelings.
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.

Curiosity and Passion

Enthusiastic to understand more about themselves, others, and the world around them.

Learn more about our character, SEL, and academic outcomes.
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The Ray Center at Drake University
CBS News

Students will observe and discuss the importance and impact of being kind.

Download Google Slides
activiate prior knowledge

Activate Prior Knowledge

  • What are some examples of great birthday gifts?
  • What does kindness mean?
    • When we show kindness, we are friendly, generous, and considerate.
  • Do you think kindness is a gift? Why or why not?
Kindness 101

Kindness 101 Video

discussion

Discussion Prompts

  • How did Carter feel when Gavin and his friends played with him at the skatepark?
  • How can you be a good friend and help others at school and home?
  • Why do you feel the people in the video seemed so surprised that teenagers (middle and high schoolers) were kind to Carter?
  • Can small acts of kindness, like smiling at someone or saying “thank you,” make a difference? Why or why not?
materials

Activity Materials

activity

Activity: Acts of Kindness

  • Before starting the activity with students, hang approximately 5 feet of string/yarn in a horizontal line where students can see it. Mark a starting spot on the left side of the string and a finish line on the right side.
  • Explain to the class that they will work together to reach the finish line by being kind.
  • Ask students to pick a Simple Acts of Kindness Card.
  • The first student reads the kind act on their card and then performs it, like in a game of charades. The rest of the group will guess the act of kindness.
  • After students guess the kind act, the player clips their card onto the string at the starting point of the string.
  • The next player then picks a new card, reads it, performs the act, and continues the chain by attaching the card to the string next to the one before it.
  • Continue playing until all players can participate and the chain reaches the finish line.
  • Follow-up question:
    • When you see the acts of kindness hanging in a row, it illustrates how simple acts can add up. What would happen if your class completed all of these acts of kindness?
journal prompts

Journal Prompts

K-5

  • Draw a picture or write about Gavin being kind to Carter.
  • Draw a picture or write about a time when someone was kind to you.
    • How did it make you feel?

6-12

  • Describe a time when you were kind to someone.
    • How did it make you feel?
    • How do you think your kindness made the other person feel?
    • How do you know they felt this way?
  • Reflect on a specific kind act you’ve witnessed or experienced recently. How did this act impact you or others involved?
  • When is it hard to be kind? Why?
  • Why is it important to choose kindness, even when it is difficult?
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/QFZ9B4HWgPQ

Discuss
Use this question to start meaningful conversations about kindness.

  • How can we show kindness at home and in the community?

Activity

More Kindness 101

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