CHARACTER COUNTS! Kindness 101

Appreciation – Daughter Secretly Gave an Organ to Her Father as an Anonymous Donor

Caring for others can sometimes include sacrifice with everlasting impacts. These moments can bring life-changing gratitude and appreciation.

Appreciation
Grade Level: K-12
 
Character Skills
  • Responsibility
  • Caring
SEL Skills
  • Responsible Decision-Making
Academic Skills
  • Curiosity and Passion 
  • Self-Direction and Engagement

Definitions

Responsibility
  • Do what you are supposed to do. Try your best.
  • Persevere. Keep on trying.
  • Be self-disciplined.
  • Think before you act. Consider the consequences.
  • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes.
Caring
  • Be kind.
  • Be compassionate.
  • Express gratitude.
  • Forgive others.
  • Be considerate of others’ feelings.
Responsible Decision-Making

Make decisions based on rationality, ethics, and effectiveness.

Curiosity and Passion 

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

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 learn about appreciation and gratitude from Delaney and her father as they navigate a health situation in their family. Then, students will reflect on what they appreciate.

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activiate prior knowledge

Activate Prior Knowledge

  • What does appreciation mean?
    • Appreciation is a feeling or expression of admiration, approval, or gratitude.
Kindness 101

Kindness 101 Video

discussion

Discussion Prompts

  • How were gratitude and appreciation shown in the video? 
  • Delaney made a big sacrifice for her father. Have you made a sacrifice for someone? Has someone done that for you?
  • When has someone expressed gratitude towards you? How did that make you feel?
materials

Materials

  • Chart paper and markers
  • Writing utensils
  • Paper
activity

Activity: Appreciation T-Chart

  • Ask students to reflect on what they are thankful for.
  • Have students make a T-Chart on a piece of paper. Label one side “Things” and the other side “People.”
  • On the “Things” side, ask students to list three to five things (books, places, clothing, technology, etc.) they appreciate. On the “People” side, ask them to list 3 to 5 people they appreciate.
  • Create “Things” and “People” T-Chart on chart paper.
  • Ask students to take turns sharing one thing they appreciate. They should try to share something that has not been said yet to make a large list of things and people the class appreciates.
  • Invite students to identify one person they want to express their appreciation to. Ask them to write a letter or email to let that person know how they feel. They should include specific examples of why they are appreciative.
  • Follow-up questions:
    • How did it feel to reflect on the things and people you appreciate?
    • How do you think the recipient of your letter will feel reading about your appreciation of them?
journal prompts

Journal Prompts

K-5

  • How does the video demonstrate the importance of showing appreciation?
  • Was it surprising that Delaney was willing to risk her own health to help her father?  Why or why not?
  • How can you show more gratitude and appreciation every day?

6-12

  • What is a sacrifice that someone has made for you?  When you think about that sacrifice, how does it make you feel? Explain your thinking.
  • What does the video say about the importance of family?
  • How can you show more gratitude every day?
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

Discuss
Use these questions to start a meaningful conversation on appreciation.

  • How can the respect and care you have for your family help motivate you to take on more responsibility at home? 
  • How can showing appreciation help you create stronger bonds with your friends and family?
  • How can your family look for simple opportunities to show your care for each other and those around you?

 

Lesson contributed by Peter Wilson, Masconomet Regional Middle School, Boxford, MA

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