Kindness
SEL Lesson
Lately, we've had to spend a lot of time with our families. This can be a very positive experience, but there are going to be times when we get upset, annoyed or frustrated with the people we live with. Now more than ever we need to be tolerant, respectful, compassionate and empathetic with those around us. Try practicing kindness everyday. It feels good to receive kindness, but even better to give it.
How can you...
Why should we use kind words? When was a time that someone said something to you that hurt your feelings? What could they have said that would have been nicer? Use the worksheet and fill in the bubbles with kind words you would like to say to other people. For example, "I think you are really great at drawing." After it's complete, share some of the statements with your family and friends. How does it feel to brighten someone's day by giving them a compliment?
It's easy to be kind to the people we love and care about, but what about the people that are mean to us or that we don't really like. Challenge yourself to be especially kind to those you don't get along with. Try to go out of your way to say or do something nice for them today.
Need some more ideas on how to show kindness. Check out this book that you can print and put together.
Have you filled a bucket today?
Everyone has a bucket although it is not seen. Everything we do affects it - whether nice or mean. A "bucket filler" gives, is patient, and is kind. A "bucket dipper" takes, only keeping himself in mind. We always have a choice to do right or wrong. The decisions that we make can last very long.
Do you want to be a bucket filler? How can you show kindness today and fill someone's bucket?
HOW FULL IS YOUR BUCKET | Bedtime Stories Read Aloud by GoodHeart Kids Books Read Aloud for Children
Family fun with kindness.
Think of a time someone was kind to you. How did that make you feel? Now think of a time when you were kind to someone else. How did that make you feel? Kindness creates more kindness. When we are kind to someone, it not only makes that person feel good, but it makes us feel good, too. The more kind acts we do, the kinder our entire world becomes. Below are some fun activities you can do with your family to spread kindness at your home.
1. Give kindness shoutouts.
Dedicate a bulletin board at home to "kindness shoutouts". Have family members write out if they've seen someone being kind and post it on the bulletin board.
2. Read books about kindness.
There are lots of books about kindness, gratitude, and giving back. Enjoy a family read aloud with some of these great books: Each Kindness, Those Shoes, Pinduli, Good People Everywhere, Kindness Starts with You, A Chair for My Mother.
3. Kindness Challenge
As a family, make a list of kind acts and take the challenge to do one every day. Remember that kind acts can be done in big and small ways.
4. Make compliment placemats
How fun to sit down at a meal and find a placemat made just for you with kind words and pictures. Your family can make compli-mats for each other.
5. Random Acts of Kindness for Family Members
Create a list of kind deeds you can do for each family member. Make a chart and color in the star after you have done each kind act.
6. Web of Kindness
If you have string or a ball of yarn, here is another creative way to give compliments and recognize the good in others.
7. Random Act of Kindness Pass it on
Have you ever played tag or hot potato? Have fun and make it a game to pass on a random act of kindness to family members. How quickly can you pass on the "you've been RAK-ed" card and not get caught with one?