Time
5 minutes
Frequency
Weekly
Material
Markers, flip chart paper, recipe card (or other writing materials)
Purpose
To practise acts of kindness and develop positive relationships by cooperating and interacting with others
Discuss and record responses:
- Why is it important to spread positivity and kindness at school and in life?
- What are the benefits of creating a kinder classroom/school by being kinder people?
Invite:
- students to share examples of when they were kind to others, or when others were kind to them, and what the outcomes of these interactions were
- each student and staff identify to an act(s) of kindness that they will practice daily (write on a recipe card or other material)
Check in weekly and reflect/discuss how they feel/think when being kind.
- This activity can also be captured in a journal.
- Students can videotape themselves “paying it forward”.
- Link to school wide initiatives: anti-bullying, pay it forward days, etc.
- Can be done in the first few days of classes to establish classroom norms.
Encouraging students to notice kind actions and appreciate their peers contributes to an emotionally positive and safe climate in the classroom, which allows students to stay connected to school, regulate emotions, and effectively focus on academics (Blum & Libbey, 2004).
Blum, R. W., & Libbey, H. P. (2004). School connectedness – strengthening health and education outcomes for teenagers. Journal of School Health, 74(7), 231-232. doi:10.1111/j.1746-1561.2004.tb08278.x
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1832) lists kindness as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Kindness is reciprocal and contributes to belonging in the community
(5e) A collaborative contributor who respects the rights, responsibilities and contributions of self and others.
(5f) A collaborative contributor who exercises Christian leadership in the achievement of individual and group goals.
(1d) A discerning believer formed in the Catholic Faith Community who develops attitudes and values founded on Catholic social teaching and acts to promote social responsibility, human solidarity and the common good.
Or, view all practices and use filters to find what you need