The holiday season is here and whether you are still enjoying falling leaves or are looking forward to falling snowflakes, it is a perfect time of year to model for our kids and students how to share more kindness with each other. Here are a few acts of kindness for both at home and the classroom that can be used during the holiday season and all year round!
1. Gratitude cards
This time of year I find myself especially thankful for my family and friends who have loved, supported, and encouraged me throughout the year. When we sit down and reflect together, we’ll discover all the big things and small things we have to be thankful for every day. Gratitude is especially impactful when we tell the people we are thankful for how much they mean to us. You can use our gratitude cards at home or at school as a template for kids to write to family members, friends, or community members.
2. Give together
During the holiday season we are reminded of the importance of generosity. We learn that we don’t need many possessions, that true joy is found in the company of others, and that the best gifts of all are the ones that come from the heart. Check out the below book suggestions to reflect on how the spirit of joy is discovered when we give to others. Use questions such as “How does the main character feel when they receive kindness?”, “What are some things we can give to others instead of material things?”, “After reading the story, what do you think is the greatest gift of all?” to discuss together ways that you can be generous with others this holiday season.
Little Robin’s Christmas, by Jan Fearnley
The Christmas Gift: El regalo de Navidad, by Francisco Jiménez
Pass it On, by Sophy Henn
3. Celebrate a friend
Our friends are an important part of our support system. Maybe they inspire us, make us laugh, and lend a helping hand when we need it the most. Celebrating everything that makes our friends great doesn’t need to wait for a special occasion, every day is a good day to remind someone they are loved! At home, this could look like your child inviting their friend over to share their favorite meal. At school, your students can take turns sharing words of affirmation for each other.
4. Ask to help
At school, we can encourage students to think about how they can ask their parents or siblings if they need help at home whether it is with extra chore or helping a younger sibling read or put their toys away. At home, you can brainstorm with your child opportunities they can ask their teacher classmates if they need help such as tidying up the classroom or helping a classmate with an assignment.
5. Smile
An act of kindness we can do the most every day is to smile at others. At home, a smile can be a reminder of love and that everything will be okay. At school, a smile is welcoming and friendly. While smiling can help others to feel happy, research shows it can also help you to feel happier!
There are many ways we can encourage kids to show kindness this holiday season. Use these tips at home, at school, and you might be able to come up with a few new ones of your own! You can also discuss these kindness quotes to inspire your children throughout the year.
