10 Fun and Easy Ways to Teach Kids Kindness: Practical Ideas You’ll Love!

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Show Notes:

As teachers, our primary responsibility is to teach students academics based on the curriculum set by the state and district. However, there’s also a “hidden curriculum” that we weave into our daily routines—one that includes life skills, problem-solving, community building, fostering relationships, and so much more. With Random Acts of Kindness Week just around the corner, I want to help you prepare with the right mindset and practical tools for teaching kindness to kids.

Unkind behavior in the classroom can create a ripple effect, impacting classroom management, student relationships, and the overall classroom culture. Instead, we want to build a community that radiates respect and kindness. In today’s episode, I’m sharing 10 easy and fun ways to teach kindness to your students.

Each idea comes with practical tips for implementation and specific examples from my own experience in encouraging kindness among my students. But if we expect kindness from our students, we must model it ourselves. That’s why I’ll also share three simple ways teachers can demonstrate kindness—no extra prep or instructional time required.

By prioritizing respect and kindness, you’ll notice a positive shift in your classroom management and community. Along with teaching academics, finding creative ways to foster kindness in the classroom is crucial. Don’t forget to tune in to next week’s episode, where I’ll dive deeper into how you can easily model kindness for your students!

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

• 10 practical ways to teach students kindness in the classroom all year long.
• How kindness can quickly ripple into other areas of the classroom and positively impact management and culture.
• 3 simple ways to model kindness for your students and demonstrate empathy and compassion.
• Creative ideas to incorporate kindness into your classroom and the benefits it brings to your students and community.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode: 

• Free Masterclass - Your 5-Step Classroom Management Reset
• 21 Children's Books that Teach Diversity and Compassion
• 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:

• 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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