CHARACTER EDUCATION: Kindness
"Kindness" is not one of the six pillars of character but it certainly is a sub-pillar, and what better time of year to focus on how we can show kindness toward others (or doing nice things) without giving them store-bought gifts.
By taking a field trip to visit the elderly, children are showing "kindness." If this is your field trip for the month, you can talk with the class (on their level of understanding) about how they are doing such a "nice" thing and how it makes the elderly so happy.
Christmas Tree Decor:
After discussing, giving examples,
and role-playing "kindness":
*Chain-Links:
Create a paper chain for your classroom Christmas tree. Allow children to
choose the color strip they want and print their names on their strips. Then
ask them to name something that would be nice to do for others and print their
exact words on their strips before turning them into links.
*Ornaments:
Allow children to tear ornament shapes for the classroom tree and collage the
edges. Print their names on their ornaments along with an act of kindness.
Variation: Instead of a Christmas tree for your classroom,
have a "Kindness Tree" using the above decorations.
Kindness
Stars: On any given day, tell the children you are going to watch for acts
of kindness and when you see it, that person will be your "Shining Star"
for the day. ("I am going to watch for someone doing something nice
for a friend.") In advance, create a big star-shaped cardboard badge
that you can pin on the child for the rest of the day. In fact, make
several stars for several acts of kindness.
Note:
I agree with those who say that, in general, children needn't be rewarded for
good behavior as we need to help them to realize that good behavior brings its
own rewards. But I also feel that when we are focusing on particular character
traits, little rewards highlight good behavior patterns.
Please share your ideas too. E-mail me at stormie@preschoolbystormie.com
Reminder from Stormie: If you would like to begin collecting ALL my current classroom ideas (each on a 4 x 6" index card), as well as new ones that I create, you can do so by ordering my "Activity Cards." Click here to check them out.
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