Random Acts of Kindness 2016

First, let me just acknowledge that I have been silent for a LONG time.  A lot has happened.  I teach third grade now, specifically math, science and art.  Completely out of my OLD comfort zone, but it is amazing how comfort zones grow. Ha!  I have a larger family, and I am busier than ever before.

But, I wanted to take a moment to share this little character education printable, because if there is one thing that hasn't changed in my teaching practice it is the understanding that the HEART comes first.  You can't challenge a child's intellect without first tending to his or her emotional needs.  A little kindness goes a long way.

This year, I have been inspired by this awesome post I pinned several years back.  If you don't have time to read it, I will summarize for you.  The blog's author listened to her children speaking one day, and heard her son explaining to his sister that there IS magic in the world- it is in all the kind things people do.  Talk about "out of the mouths of babes"!  So beautiful!  Inspired, this mom asked her children to make magic "kindness wands" and they left them in public places with a challenge for others to do 3 random acts of kindness.

I love this idea!  However, I don't think we have time in the schedule this year to make wands.  But, I want my students to focus on kindness in February, and wanted to give them some ideas for random acts of kindness kids can do to make a difference!  I made this little calendar for them.

My students will be challenged to complete as many acts of kindness as they can before Valentine's Day.  I will provide in-class time for students to discuss the kind acts they are performing, and how it makes them feel.  On Valentine's Day,  we will discuss kindness and I will be providing a sweet, heart-shaped treat in return for all the sweet things they have done for others!  (Kindness has this habit of finding its way back to you...)

You can go to my TPT store and download a copy of this printable for free.

I'm so excited to see my students' excitement over what they can do for others!  Kids love to make others happy.  This kind of magic truly changes the world!