CHARACTER COUNTS! Kindness 101

Thankfulness – WWII Veteran Meets the Woman Who Wrote Him a Thank-You Letter 12 Years Ago

Small, caring gestures to express thankfulness can make a big impact on others. 

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

Definitions

Caring
  • Be kind.
  • Be compassionate.
  • Express gratitude.
  • Forgive others.
  • Be considerate of others’ feelings.
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 the feelings of others 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.
Share This Activity
The Ray Center at Drake University
CBS News

Students will see the power of simple, caring gestures in the video. Students will seek opportunities to share kindness and express thankfulness.

Download Google Slides
activiate prior knowledge

Activate Prior Knowledge

  • Think about an important gift you have received. Why is that gift so important and valuable to you? 
Kindness 101

Kindness 101 Video

discussion

Discussion Prompts

  • What do you think it means when Dashauna says, “We’re not just friends, we are family” when they have only met once?
  • Are you surprised the letter meant that much? Why or why not?
  • Many people say when you do something for someone else, it makes you feel better about yourself. Do you agree with that? Explain.
  • Who is the kindest person you know? What is it about them that makes them that way?
  • What are some simple, caring gestures you can do on a daily basis for other people?
materials

Materials

  • Paper
  • Writing utensils
  • Various art supplies
activity

Activity: Thank Others

  • As a class, brainstorm groups or organizations that serve others to make the community a better place. Some examples may include teachers, school lunch staff, the fire department, the police department, hospital staff members, mail carriers, etc.
  • Ask the class to vote on which organization or group they want to thank for their service.
  • Split students into small groups. Each group will pick a way to thank the chosen organization. Some examples may include thank you notes, videos, volunteering, etc.
  • Give students time to execute their plans to show their appreciation.
  • Follow-up questions:
    • How do you think people will react to your appreciation?
    • How does it feel to express thanks for another person and their actions?
journal prompts

Journal Prompts

K-5

  • What is something someone does for you that you are thankful for? Why?
  • What is something someone has given you that is important to you? Why?

6-12

  • Why is sending an email or text different than sending a card?
  • Write about an item from your childhood that has sentimental value to you. Why is it so important to you?
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/tE6xfhvruQA

Discuss
Use these questions to start a meaningful conversation about thankfulness.

  • Can you think of a time when someone helped you in a time of need?
  • Have you ever received a card or a letter from someone that meant a lot to you? Why was it meaningful?
  • What do you think is the most important thing you have ever given someone? Why was it important?

Lesson contributed by Jeff Anderson, Brandon-Evansville Public Schools, Evansville, MN 

More Kindness 101

CHARACTER COUNTS! Lessons and Activities

 

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Des Moines, IA 50311

515-271-1910

RayCenter@Drake.edu

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