World Kindness Day, celebrated on November 13th, is an excellent opportunity to teach students empathy, compassion, and kindness. It also comes at the perfect time in the school year when students begin to forget their manners, classroom expectations, and how to be a friend. Whether you celebrate World Kindness Day or need to review kindness on any day, here are some activities I use to bring kindness into my classroom.
World Kindness Day Wordsearch
A fun and educational way to start the day is with a Kindness Wordsearch. This activity not only helps students with their vocabulary and spelling but also introduces them to words associated with kindness, such as “compassion,” “empathy,” “friendship,” and “generosity.” I like to pair students to make this a true collaborative activity! You can create your own word search or find a “Done for You” Kindness Wordsearch here. I encourage my students to discuss the words they find and share examples of how they can demonstrate these qualities in their daily lives.
World Kindness Day Collaborative Coloring Activity
I love Collaborative Coloring Posters, and so do my students! They allow all my students to be successful and work with one another. To create a Kindness Collaborative Coloring Poster, provide students with a large poster or several coloring pages that come together to form one poster, similar to a puzzle. Another option is to give each student a square piece of construction paper. On the square, they write and draw different ways they can show kindness. Then, they put it together, similar to a quilt.
Notes of Kindness
Have students write kind notes to their classmates, teachers, and school staff. Provide colorful paper and markers, and encourage students to be specific in their compliments and messages of appreciation.
World Kindness Day Writing Challenge
Create a list of simple acts of kindness that students can complete throughout the day or week. Examples include holding the door for someone, sharing supplies, or helping a friend with their work. Have students write about their experience of being kind. How did it feel? How did it help the other person? How can they continue being kind, even when someone may not recognize their actions? Recognize students’ efforts with small rewards or a kindness certificate. Here’s a free template and lesson plan for you!
Celebrate World Kindness Day with a Story
Read books that emphasize kindness and empathy. Some great options include “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” by Carol McCloud, “Kindness Is My Superpower” by Alicia Ortego, and “Those Shoes” by Maribeth Boelts. After reading, discuss the stories and have students share their thoughts on the importance of kindness.
Kindness Jar
Set up a Kindness Jar in your classroom. Provide slips of paper for students to write down acts of kindness they have witnessed. Periodically, take time to read and celebrate these moments as a class.
Role Play Acts of Kindness
Organize a role-playing activity where students act out different scenarios that require kindness and empathy. This activity can help them practice responding to situations in a positive and supportive manner. After each role-play, discuss what they did well and how they felt during the activity.
World Kindness Day is celebrated every day in my classroom, and I hope it is in your classroom, too!
