I am not sure how kindness found its way into my teaching and leadership practice. I think back can’t seem to find the one event or moment that led me to kindness. I suppose it was the way I felt when encouraging kindness and seeing kindness in action. Or maybe how I felt when kindness was shown to me. Perhaps it was because I wanted my students to realize how much kindness can help strengthen and improve our relationships with others.
Regardless of the reason, kindness has been a focal point in my teaching and leadership. It is something I value greatly and makes each day a joy. It has connected me to some amazing educators (you!) who have a similar passion and I am inspired by the beautiful ways kindness is shared in classrooms and schools around the world.
A few months ago, I had a class do a “Heart Attack” on the principal and vice-principal while they were out of their office. This is an activity where students create kind messages on heart-shaped colored paper for the person receiving the "heart attack". They tape the hearts all over the door, desk, or work space. (In the past, I even had one group of students stick them onto their teacher when he walked in!)
The students are always so happy to take action and make a positive impact on the adults at our school. It creates confidence, pride, and, on this occasion, one student even said, “This was the best day ever!”
Kindness makes each day "the best day ever". I am grateful you have joined me on my journey to foster kindness. Check out my kindness ideas on my website www.kindnessandstories.com.
I would love to hear from you. How do you promote kindness in your classroom or school? What picture books do you read with your students? What daily SEL practices do you use?
Thanks for letting kindness shine!
