How Elementary Teachers Can Show Kindness & Compassion to Their Students

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Show Notes:

Kindness is contagious. It creates a positive, inclusive learning environment and leaves a lasting impact on students. In last week’s episode, we explored fun and practical ways to encourage kindness among students, setting the stage for an even more powerful approach: modeling kindness as a teacher.

The way you demonstrate kindness in classrooms can truly transform your students’ experiences. Research shows that when teachers intentionally model kindness, it enhances students’ emotional well-being, reduces disruptive behavior, and even boosts academic performance. That’s why fostering a culture of kindness should be a priority in every classroom.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing 10 simple, low-prep ways to model kindness every day. These ideas are practical, easy to implement, and designed to make a meaningful difference. You don’t have to adopt all 10—just choose the ones that feel most natural to you and your teaching style.

When kindness in classrooms is modeled, celebrated, and intentionally woven into daily routines, it reinforces the behavior we want to see in students. As teachers, we have the power to shape not just minds, but hearts. Let this episode be a reminder to lead with kindness every day!

Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

• A recap of last week’s episode which discussed ways to encourage kindness amongst your students.
• 10 easy and fun ways to model kindness towards your students that can leave a positive impact on them.
• The research behind modeling kindness and how you can be intentional about weaving it throughout the day.
• A preview of next week’s episode on ways to be more kind to yourself.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode: 

• Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset
• Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms
• Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant.
• Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram
• Follow Dr. Lori on Facebook
• Follow Beginning Teacher Talk on TikTok

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast Beginning Teacher Talk and author of Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com.

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Related episodes you might enjoy:

• 10 Fun and Easy Ways to Teach Kids Kindness:  Practical Ideas You’ll Love!
• How Gratitude Positively Impacts Learning: 7 Thanksgiving Activities that Teach Gratitude
• 10 Research-Backed Ways to Find the Positive in Your Students
• All Behavior is Communication: 12 Easy Ways to Build Connections with Your Students

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