“Imagine what our real neighborhoods would be like if each of us offered, as a matter of course, just one kind word to another person.” — Fred Rogers
Each year, you and your family can helppromote the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself, and to the world on World Kindness Day. Observed on November 13th, this international celebration gives us the opportunity to practice kindness alongside other skills like empathy, understanding, and inclusiveness — all of which are stepping stones to becoming a caring person.
This World Kindness Day, tell a loved one how much they mean to you, help out a friend or neighbor, do an emotional check-in with a sibling, or be a good sport by including a coworker or classmate in an activity you enjoy. Parents and caregivers can also take time to talk with our children about what to do if our their feelings are hurt, or someone else’s, and how our actions affect others.
Help promote kindness and model positive relationships using the picture books, articles, games andactivities below!
Promoting Kindness at Home & in the Classroom
Kindness in the Classroom
Grades PreK-K
Kindness in the Classroom is a multi-part video series designed to give educators insight into the positive impacts of teaching mindfulness in a classroom setting. The series focuses on implementing the Kindness Curriculum; a free 24-lesson mindfulness guide designed for pre-k and kindergarten classrooms, researched and developed by the Center for Healthy Minds at UW-Madison.
Help Your Child Be a Kind Friend
Grades PreK-5
We all want to raise kids who are kind and inclusive. That takes practice. Try these strategies to teach your child to become more inclusive.
How to Help Kids Feel Loved and Lovable
Grades PreK-5
Children thrive when their caregivers offer them consistent love and support. Our love offers a safe landing place as they stretch, struggle, and grow. Here are four ideas for helping children feel loved and lovable.
Expanding Your Child’s Circle of Concern
Grades PreK-5
Learn tips for helping children expand their circle of concern to include those who look, sound, or behave differently than they do.
Books, Activities & Games
Kindness Sweaters
Grades PreK-2
Celebrate kindness with these 10 grr-ific ideas! Print out this Daniel Tiger activity sheet and try them all!
Room for Everyone: 10 Picture Books that Encourage Kindness
Grades PreK-4
As parents and educators, we can teach our children how to be kind to others by reading books that explore empathy, celebrate diversity, and encourage inclusivity. Here are ten books to get you started.
Make a Coupon Book to Give As a Gift
Grades K-3
Encourage your child to perform acts of kindness by creating a coupon book to show they care. They can give each coupon to a family member or friend as a gift!
My Special People Activity Sheet
Grades K-4
Everyone who is special to us has something special about them. Make an award to give to someone special to you!
Community Service: Teaching Kindness for Kindness’ Sake | PBS NewsHour
Grades 6-12
Ask students to reflect on the meaning of empathy and kindness. In this daily news story, PBS NewsHour Extra looks at the impact and meaning of community service and why the winter break may be a more challenging time for students than many people may realize. Read the Teachers’s Lounge piece, ‘Opinion: Don’t assume that every student had a fun or warm holiday break,’ out loud first and use the additional Support Materials for classroom activity tips.