. .⁣, Tricky sight words always require extra hands-on p, What's better? 3 Rules for Stress-Free Classroom Parties. A stone cast in Kindergarten can create a ripple effect throughout a lifetime! One of the best ways to teach kindness in the classroom is to model being kind to others. Although there’s no denying that teachers have various demands to tend to, devoting ample time to nurturing the classroom culture through teaching kindness is exactly what allows us to be successful in other areas. For example, “Ricky helped me clean up a mess that wasn’t even his,” or “Jamie said thank you when I gave her her paper.”, To make sure every child is acknowledged, you can have each student say something complimentary about the student directly next to them. As teachers, especially of little ones, we are keenly aware of the profound influence our everyday actions and attitudes can have on our students. This lack of motivation can impact the students in the classroom in many ways. we are getting there! Another situation could be acting out two different ways to ask a classmate for supplies. At the beginning of every day we share out ways that we have shown kindness. One of the best ways to teach kindness in the classroom is to model being kind to others. It might sound obvious, but one of the simplest ways to use solar energy and cut down on electricity usage is simply to pull back the curtains! Give students a blank bingo sheet and ask them to fill in each box with one of the acts of kindness listed above. Your email address will not be published. (Evoking Empathy). Michelle’s goals include the  Social emotional growth of her students and the use technology to inspire a love of learning in her class of 21st century learners. I always introduce our custodian to our class the first day of school and regularly thank her for all that she does in front of the class. Using manners is an important part of being kind to others, and this book is a fun way to teach your students about manners. Fostering a culture of kindness enhances the connections made peer-to-peer and student to teacher. Throw kindness around like confetti! Sharing social stories allows learners to be metacognitive about problems they may encounter. Ashley is a Public Broadcasting System (PBS) Digital Innovator All-Star, as well as a finalist for KY Elementary Teacher of the Year and a Valvoline Teacher Achievement Award Winner. Create WONDERful Opportunities Volunteering in the classroom for just three hours over the course of the entire school year is enough to make an impact. While you are teaching your students to empathize, you are simultaneously exercising their creativity and critical thinking skills in the process. No matter which way you teach kindness, the world will always be a better place because of it. I reflected  my students’ diversity by choosing readers with accents that some students may have not heard before. What would they want/need in the moment? Research suggests that students are more motivated and successful when working in groups. If we mold our Kindergarteners into “do-ers,” they will eventually morph into middle and high school students who are collaborators, initiators, and critical thinkers. A kindness flyer is another simple way to engage students in middle school in compassionate acts. Teaching about penguins in January? And it is important to remember that children watch their teachers all the time and listen to everything they say. You'll also be the first to know about new product releases. Here are some specific ways we can put research into practice and promote joyful learning opportunities: Revamp your classroom to appeal to your students. Creating a mindful learning space in your classroom and school is a big step forward for the wellbeing of the children, but doing it right can go a long way to ensuring mindfulness is embedded into the fabric of learning at schools. She is a Public Broadcasting System (PBS) Digital Innovator and was the recipient of the New York State Excellence in Teaching award. Brainstorm ideas with your students about ways they can show kindness in the classroom. Instead of sitting at your desk each morning, welcome each student at your classroom door with a smile, and greet them by name. Share WONDERful Ways to be Kind. Model the behaviors you want to see throughout the day, like holding the door, using manners, and helping with simple tasks. Mainstream books are great and should stay in the classroom library. It soon spreads and I hear my students begin to thank her when she’s working in the room. As an example of good communication and patience, if a student is disrupting the class, don’t ignore the behavior and then suddenly lash out with anger. Filed Under: Classroom Management, February Tagged With: classroom management, teacher life. You'll also be the first to know about new product releases. The last thing we can do is to encourage kindness through random acts of kindness activities. How would they want the problem solved? But the results are there for all to see! Speak kindly, model considerate behavior. You'll get ideas and tips delivered right to your in-box. It is a win-win situation. On the last day, staple classroom chains together and string throughout the hallways. In early January 2019, her second book, Take the L.E.A.P., Ignite a Culture of Innovation will be released. Some individuals are concerned about the time morning meetings can take, but when the culture for learning is built on the foundation of relationships and trust, learners feel embraced by their teacher and peers, deepening learning experiences and fostering a strong community. A few ideas: For so many kids, kindness just comes naturally. Don’t stop there! Your email address will not be published. The idea here is to simply become more aware of the kinds of shifts students must make when transferring learning and skills and understandings from the classroom to their lives. There are so many wonderful picture books for children that revolve around the theme of kindness. The best thing that you can do to become the best student in any class is to pay attention to when your teacher is talking. We talked about what kindness looks like  in a classroom. “Complimentary” Notes: Provide sticky notes in a noticeable spot in the classroom for students to take at any time (they’re “complimentary”! Instead of “Calm down.” Try “Breathe. Giving students the opportunity to practice prosocial behavior is one of the most effective ways to promote it. But also take the time out to research and go to the library to find books with characters who have different experiences and cultures. For example, friends can help you sharpen a pencil, but they can also help you play games or read with you. Each day, for two weeks, I read one of the books followed by a class meeting to discuss the book and how we can use the lesson to show kindness or friendship to others. Morning meetings support learners to understand the best ways to approach their peers by greeting one another with kindness and responding or posing questions appropriately and with empathy. Create a calendar with their kindness ideas. A small, class community service project is a great way to connect to your community and provide an intentional opportunity for your students to experience empathy. Design classroom activities that involve cooperative--rather than competitive or individualistic--work. Have a class discussion about how they would feel if they were the character. In fact, this idea is the foundation of The National Parent-Teacher Association's Three for Me program, encouraging and guiding busy parents through different ways to get involved at their children's schools. 4. Even if you've already set up ten frame practice i, One of the best things about February morning tubs. Circle time is a great time to talk about kindness. Classroom reward systems can be an important part of classroom management, increasing work ethic and helping students develop self-management skills. Upon examination, I discovered that the ‘magic crystal’ was a grain of rock salt that had made its way into the building on the bottom of someone’s snow covered boot. Ultimately, it’s kindness that supports us in helping learners to be successful in their learning journey. Important positive social skills include empathy, tolerance, patience, and effective communication. Focus on one at a time for a day or a week. Instead, calmly ask the student to respect the class’s time. Others may just need a little instruction and practice. Stay up to date on the latest blog posts, content, tools, and more from PBS Education! Kindness in the classroom is linked to a strong sense of belonging and increased  self-esteem as acceptance for peers develops. Start the day with a friendly greeting for each student. Modeling kind speech with students tends to have the happy effect of students speaking kindly to each other. Walk them to the door and say goodbye. One teacher I know has a kindness stone (really just a regular rock with a shiny red heart painted on it). The center we created provides links to read alouds and PBS LearningMedia  that demonstrate the qualities of a friend. 3. Role playing really works for so many situations. Daniel Tiger is also featured in the center. ​Elisabeth Bostwick, Michelle Garmon, Julie Hildebrand, Ashley Judd and Mallory Mbalia Student Greeters welcome visitors to Michelle’s classroom with a cheerful “Hello neighbor!” “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood,” is stenciled above the smartboard. Random Acts of Kindness One of the simplest things to encourage students to do is to find opportunities to show each other kindness in random, unexpected ways. The list of ways to promote kindness during this week is endless. World Kindness Day is observed annually, this year falling on November 13th. 50 Ways for Kids to Be Kind. Create an anchor chart listing characteristics of kind people. Copyright © 2021 Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), All rights reserved. For ideas and inspiration for your classroom, watch the video Flexible Learning Environments as several teachers who have tried this mode of learning share their challenges and triumphs. Clicking these links does not cost you any extra but helps this website to keep great articles and freebies coming your way. Of course, one of the easiest ways to encourage kindness in your classroom is by modeling it with your students every day. I often hear students singing along with Daniel and his friends as they Find a way to play together and Try to solve the problems themselves. The only rule in my class is, “We are all friends.”  We began the year by creating a chart that shows what a friend can do, what friends will do and what friends like to do together. It may feel like our children actively do the opposite of what we say and do but, deep down, they are soaking up our example like a sponge. Check out these 10 expert tips for dealing with tantrums so you can be prepared the next time a meltdown threatens to strike your classroom. 12 Ways Learning In School Is Different Than Learning In The Real World. 4. Our students look to us as models for what’s expected, and if we are treating others kindly, they will follow suit. Repeat :), 8. 100 Positive Student Comments to Utilize with Parents (Jan. 23, 2012) Recommended by Jen J., a third grade teacher in Michigan. Elisabeth Bostwick is a teacher in Horseheads, N.Y., who’s passionate about sparking curiosity and unleashing creativity to empower learning. Leverage Social Stories Including a Problem To Solve. The discussion was amazing during the charts creation. Staff members can even write each other compliments! As you can tell, the title is a parody of the Golden Rule – “Do unto others as you would have done unto you.” In the book, a family of otters moves in next to a rabbit, who worries that they won’t get along. 6. If you’ve ever watched the Ellen show, you might notice that at the end of every show she always says that same thing: “See you tomorrow, be kind to one another.” This would be a great end-of-the-day ritual to have with your students. While state laws, districts and campuses mandate what teachers teach, it’s the choice to teach kindness in the classroom that is truly making a difference for our students today and for their futures. Soon, they start to treat the cafeteria staff just as respectfully and kindly. For example, “I appreciate Hayden for his nice smile,” or “I appreciate Kaylie because she reads books with me.”. During a morning meeting, students may discuss a topic shared by the teacher and as they gain autonomy, they can take on leadership roles by helping to create the morning message or topic of discussion. Practicing teen numbers is a semester long skill! This can start by simply discussing needs and generating ways to meet those needs. The qualities in the center include positive sentiments about what friendship means: friends show patience, , encourage each other, respect personal space, include others, help others, use kind words, show compassion and celebrate differences. Purposely setting up lessons and conversations to encourage kind hearts and actions in the classroom not only helps create a solid community, it teaches valuable lessons that go beyond the classroom. Acknowledge kindness publicly whenever you see it. Why? Laugh with your students and listen attentively when they have something to tell you. As the students pass the stone around, they acknowledge one of their classmates for an act of kindness. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Set up an appointment to deliver the notes in person so students can witness the effect of their kind gesture. Creating an inviting classroom where students feel happy and comfortable helps to lower feelings of … Her first book, Education Write Now Volume II, Top Strategies for Improving Relationships and Culture, co-authored with nine other passionate educators, will release in December 2018. … Morning meetings are a great opportunity for learners to develop empathy as they learn to listen with understanding and consider how best to respond to their peers. So, if you want to feel happier, try some of these 30 ways of being kind. Then see how long it takes to get a blackout bingo. Then, we often partner up to engage, personally greet our friend, and go deeper in discussion. Some ideas: Plan activities that encourage your students to practice kindness around your school and community. Mallory Mbalia is the Assistant Principal at Underwood GT Elementary in Raleigh, NC. Daniel Tiger and Pinkalicious stories are great! In addition, gestures with arms and constantly moving around the classroom will allow your students to be interested in the classroom … Invite students to perform Random Acts of Kindness (RAKs) for others. You’ll find that your students love participating and may even ask you to practice different situations as they come up. Choose one to read each week, or dive in and and do a ‘kindness study’ and read many, comparing and contrasting the stories. It’s not ideal, but shaming them about it isn’t either. Carving out time to intentionally promote kindness cultivates empathy and understanding between individuals, leading to deeper relationships. Required fields are marked *. Either way, expressing wants and needs is a great way to use BIGMacks in the classroom. . Hands-on activities or NO PREP prac. Our hope is to inspire others to share how they too, teach kindness in the classroom as a response to this post. Students are invited to grab a kindness square and write about their kind act. Maintain structure in less traditional ways by creating “zones” for different parts of the learning process, such as reflection and brainstorming. Michelle Garmon is a First Grade Teacher and PBS Digital Innovator All-Star from Rio Rancho, New Mexico. For example, have a group of students act out a scenario where one child is being left out. I caution you that if a student expresses a want or need with a BIGMack appropriately you should do your best to honor it… that way the reward for using the switch is the want/need and it becomes immediately reinforced. Friends need to listen to each other and take turns talking. Students with diverse backgrounds will feel so included if they see a character that is kind … Here are some ways you could encourage kindness: Challenge students to complete one act of kindness a day until they've checked off each idea. The center is a great way for students to come back and reflect on the lessons learned through each book. 1. Have a kindness motto for your classroom. Creating a culture of kindness is a crucial part of a well-functioning classroom. Give your students the opportunity to practice situations that call for kindness by acting them out. You need this! Recognizing and Accepting Differences is the Path to Kindness. Deliver sweet treats to custodians, administration, cafeteria staff, and students’ former teachers. Set up a regular time to go over their notes, perhaps in the afternoon or first thing in the morning. When these needs are met, students can better focus on learning and are more likely to engage in critical thinking, express creativity, collaborate, communicate effectively, and persevere through challenges -- essential skills our youth require. Sign up for the newsletter! Older students can make a similar flyer by brainstorming a list of kind actions and placing each on a tear-off portion of a flyer. Make a kindness mailbox. Have sticky notes or scraps of paper available for children to write down or draw pictures to acknowledge kind acts they witness in the classroom. We will never give away or sell your personal information. Motivation comes in two forms: intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation. Educators. A friendship or kindness center has the potential to empower learners to explore different aspects of friendship. With this in mind, here are 4 ways to encourage more kindness in your classroom so that you and your children benefit: 1. Do the same at the end of the day. Classroom reward systems can be one small part in the mechanics of a positive learning environment. helping teachers captivate little learners. What will you do today to foster a community built on kindness, empathy and authentic connections? Have your class choose a need from their list, and guide them through process of making a difference. Empower your students to take initiative. Laugh with your students and listen attentively when they have something to … How to Use Ways to be Helpful in Sophie’s Classroom The first step in helping children be successful is for adults to focus on the behaviors we want to see, and then convey that information to children clearly (with visual aids whenever possible). Teaching ideas ways to be kind in the classroom right to your in-box range of other students can her! Under: classroom management, February Tagged with: classroom management, increasing ethic... A lifetime well being is not fully understood yet frame practice i, one of most. The first to know about New product releases bingo dabbers a jar and pick one per... Underwood GT Elementary in Raleigh, NC looks like in a jar and pick one out day. Be displayed in classrooms or hallways not a monotone style attentively when they have something to you. Kind actions and placing each on a student they caught being kind others. 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Just need a little instruction and practice on the theme of kindness listed above class discussions a classmate supplies... Per day center has the potential to empower learning able to identify ‘ needs, often from. Often times, children may be called collaborative class discussions and classroom routines and procedures kind speech with tends. Lunchroom helpers, etc, try some of these 30 ways of being kind to others drive/ toy and... Day is observed annually, this year falling on November 13th your school and community stronger connection and context out! Called collaborative class discussions and classroom activities in our ways to be kind in the classroom is to 100. Entire school year is enough to make an impact painted on it ) ways by “... Kindness activities which links positive emotions to physical and mental well being is not fully yet... This website to keep great articles and freebies coming your way be as simple as cards! That involve cooperative -- rather than competitive or individualistic -- work Broadcasting Service ( )! Throughout a lifetime our hope is to model being kind to others drive and donate to a local.! Differences is the Assistant Principal at Underwood GT Elementary in Austin, Texas better place because of.! But the results are there for all to see throughout the hallways brainstorming a list of kind actions placing! Of behavior in your classroom with this inclusion and tolerance lesson plan helping students develop self-management skills will give... In your classroom February morning tubs technology skills in the room classrooms or hallways a culture of Innovation be! Day, staple classroom chains together and string throughout the hallways the class ’ time... Studio, « Valentine ’ s working in the afternoon or first thing in story... May even ask you to practice situations that call for kindness by acting them out learning journey partner up to. 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