What is Kindness?
WHAT IS KINDNESS?
Grade One Curriculum
“Sticks & stones may break our bones, but words will break our hearts.”
– Robert Fulghum, author
According to Michele Borba, (author of the book entitled Building Moral Intelligence), meanness and unkindness exist in epidemic proportions across today’s youth. Borba states, “Although unkindness may not result in visible bruises, studies show it can leave lasting emotional scars and tear away the fabric of moral growth.” Kindness is the ability to show others that you are concerned about their welfare and feelings. Kindness is showing caring behaviours for people, animals, and the environment and expressing that feeling through acts of generosity and service. The research is clear that the trait of kindness must be taught and nurtured – the sooner, the better!
YOU SHOW KINDNESS WHEN YOU:
- Speak nicely to others
- Do things that make other people happy
- Show you care
- Show appreciation
- Think about the needs of others
- Do not tease others
- Offer to help someone
- Do something nice for someone in the classroom
- Try to cheer someone up when they are not feeling well
- Help someone at home who needs you
- Say nice words when a friend’s feelings have been hurt
- Forgive someone who has hurt your feelings
- Stick up for someone who is being teased
- Pick up litter when you find it on the playground or on the street, taking care of the environment
- Include others at recess and lunchtime
- Eat lunch with a classmate to help him or her feel welcome.
OTHER KINDNESS RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS:
- A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams
- Crow Boy by Yashima Taro
- The Five-Dog Night by Eileen Christelow
- The River Ran Wild by Lynne Cherry
- Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli
- Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen by Dyanne DiSalvo-Ryan
RELATED VIRTUES:
Charity, Compassion, Concern, Empathy, Forgiveness, Gentleness, Caring, Love, Selflessness, Sensitivity, Respect, Tolerance