The Kind Blog

August 5, 2015

10 Unique Back to School Kindness Ideas

 

  1. Start a staff meeting or your first 10 minutes of class with an inspiring video.

    We love this brand new video of ALS patient, Chris Rosati. He is a father, husband, friend, and founder of Inspire Media. In 2010, he was diagnosed with ALS and has slowly lost his ability to walk and speak. Still, he is devoting the rest of his life to spreading kindness. After watching the video, have a brief discussion about how kindness transformed Chris and those around him (ex: he turned his challenge into an opportunity to do something meaningful and serve others).

  2. Teach a Kindness in the Classroom lesson plan.

    Our K-8 lessons are free, evidence-based, bilingual, and support social-emotional learning.

  3. Post positive sticky notes around the school.

    A fun act of kindness that both staff and students can do!


  4. Schedule a Custodian Appreciation Day on your calendar.

    Imagine what school would be like without custodians. Yikes! On the other hand, let's not imagine that. Instead, let's appreciate all that they do with a celebration! Custodian Appreciation Day could involve thank you notes, decorations, or even students helping to sweep up the cafeteria.

  5. Put treats or fun notes in teacher mailboxes.

    May we suggest: chocolate, a joke of the day, or even a RAK Tag card for others to pass on.

  6. Start a Third Party Compliments box like Carroll High School.

    Unique, effective and totally doable:

  7. Track Acts of Kindness by Grade.

    This is a great way to emphasize that kindness is important to your school. Every week, try highlighting an act of kindness from each grade.

  8. Set up a thank you note station in the school.

    Studies show that practicing gratitude increases positive emotions and happiness. Create a thank you note station by gathering construction paper, markers, and fun materials in one spot. This could be set up in a hallway or even in the principal's office for students who get in trouble in class.

  9. Email or write a former teacher who made a difference in your life.

    We love using the 5-minute thank you note template.

  10. Start a Kindness Club: choose a handful of student leaders and one teacher leader.

    • Watch how teacher, Peggy Filer, started a Kindness Club at her high school:

    • Get inspired by Sabrina Ma, a high school student leading Kindness Clubs across the country.

    • See how Starr Elementary School is spreading kindness with the Kind Kids Club:

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