I have noticed a recent, positive change in education. Teachers are spending more time teaching the whole child. We are no longer just focusing reading, writing, and math. There is an entire educational movement to make sure what we are teaching, especially in early childhood, is developmentally appropriate. We are incorporating more play and we are providing direct instruction in social and emotional learning. This makes my teacher heart so happy. Today, I want to talk about teaching kindness in the classroom.
Why do we teach kindness?
If you want to build a positive classroom community, you have to take the time TEACH children what it means to be kind. How does kindness look and sound? How does it feel when someone is kind to us? How do does it feel when you a kind to another student? When you take the time talk about what kindness is, and that kindness is a classroom expectation, you are taking the first steps to creating a positive classroom community.
How do you teach kindness?
You teach kindness in the classroom just like anything else, through direct instruction and independent practice. I start the school year talking about kindness as part of being a good student and friend. Then, I review this throughout the year, especially after winter and spring break. there are several books on kindness that you can read all year. Then, you want students to internalize what they are learning through meaningful activities. You can discuss different scenarios and decide if they are kind or unkind, you can do picture sorts, anchor charts, writing activities, and crafts to help students create meaning in what you are saying.
Read Aloud
I start with a read aloud. resource to go with this story. Students will focus on vocabulary, cause and effect, writing, and crafts. You can see what all is included HERE.
Anchor Charts
Work with your class to create an anchor chart that explains what kindness is. The anchor chart will give you a visual that you can refer to all year. Your students will need reminders what it is to be kind, especially during times when their schedules may be off (December, January) and when they are starting to get a little too comfortable with one another (pretty much all spring).
Practice, Praise, and Reinforce
Your kids can practice through acting out scenarios and doing picture sorts. I have included both of these in my Kindness Resource. Then, you will want to give specific praise kids for showing kindness. “I noticed you helped Ava pick up her crayons. Thank you for being a kind friend.” Avoid just saying, “Ava was a kind friend today.” By pointing out exactly what she did that was kind, you are helping Ava to internalize what she did right so that she will do it again. You are also providing the rest of the class with a real life example of kindness. While praise is a great way to reinforce positive behavior, you can also you tangible reinforces, sometimes. I do not want kids to expect to get something when they are kind. I typically use reinforcers at the beginning of the year, and again a few times when I notice the majority of the class is struggling. You can give students reward cards, like the one shown above, stickers, brag bracelets, or Target Dollar Spot erasers.
If you need more tips for classroom management, check out this post full of helpful tips and tricks.
