The Kindness Kids
This Section:
(This section highlights a thematic kindness unit I designed for 3rd Grade students.)
1. What is Kindness?
2. Give Kindness to Others
3. Be the Pond
4. Gratitude Attitude
5. Be Like Fred
6. Kindness Ceremony & Kindness Challenge
1. What is Kindness?
Featuring my friend, Kid President
As we know, kindness is a plethora of ideas and examples. Therefore, we started with a sticky note and introduction from Kid President. I explained the vast idea of kindness and discussed how needed kindness is everyday. After the video, students wrote on their sticky note what they think kindness is or an example they heard in the video that they didn't realize involved the choice to be kind. We then taped their ideas onto the door to remind them of ways to be kind in and out of the classroom. Please click the picture below to view the video from Kid President.
2. Give Kindness to Others
This week, we started by thinking of our favorite compliment we have ever received. Then, we picked out of a hat and create compliment hearts to give to the friend we chose. After they finished, they completed jars that included, "I am..." statements that they could share with someone else or give their jar to someone who needed it. Please click the button below to see just how kind the students were to each other and in return to themselves.
3. Be the Pond
Being Kind and Listening to Yourself
As we have explored kindness in multiple areas, we needed to understand that kindness can be just taking a moment to listen to your self and to take a moment to breathe. We did a mindfulness video about emotions and understanding what goes on with our reactions and minds. It has now become an inside joke with my third graders, and I continue to remind them to, "Be the Pond." To be in on the inside joke/mindfulness, please click on the picture of Johnny.
4. Gratitude Attitude
I start every morning by writing down 10 things I am grateful for to start my day on the right foot. I was excited to share this vulnerable and real part of my daily routine and mental health. I put my Ipad journal under the document camera and showed them everything I think about in the morning - thought processes and all. Then, they had five minutes to think of at least 5 things they are grateful to have. The students truly blew me away with their thankful hearts and joy for the world around them. It is always a wonderful day full of beauty, and the students have proven that to me each day I walk into the building.
.png)
.png)
5. Be Like Fred
Fred Rogers
Fred Rogers, a man who made kindness look easy on a screen, yet was a learning scientist behind the scenes. He created a show of inclusion, intentionality, and goodness. When thinking of kindness, I thought of the legacy that Mr. Rogers left and continues to leave in more ways than just Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood.
​
When I talked to the students about kindness, I started by telling them about growing up with Mr. Rogers and playing the infamous theme song for them. We all had a blank sheet of paper in front of us. The students then listened to his song, "It's You I Like," where he reminds us of the wonderful individuals we are just by being authentically us. The students could draw or write any feelings or words that came to mind as they explored the neighborhood.
​
As he will always do, the students felt the calmness and kindness of Mr. Rogers. They even begged me to watch a full episode instead of recess... not many people can encapsulate 3rd graders in that way!
​
To be kind is to have examples of kindness around you and to be an example of kindness for every neighbor. Every student is a gift and a friend. The students got to continue the day reminding others of their goodness and had neighbors telling them right back. Our goal as educators and people is to make goodness attractive, and I am so excited to see how Mr. Rogers continues to inspire the 3rd grade students at Sharpsville Elementary School.
6. Kindness Ceremony & Kindness Challenge
.png)
It was finally time! The students had been working to learn about what kindness is and what it means to be "Kindness Kids." They have been working to earn their, "Kindness Goggles." The students didn't know about the ceremony that followed their remarkable kindness lessons and learning...
The students all sat in their seats as I called up students one by one to get their official kindness kid certificates, and they chose from the different colors of kindness goggles. I gave examples for each student of how they are kind and some things I have noticed about the very things that make them extraordinary.
Each of the students inspired me to be more than a better teacher, but a better friend and person. I am so excited to see how they change the world for the better.
