18 Kindness Activities and Lesson Ideas for Elementary Students
Fostering a spirit of kindness in the classroom can make a meaningful difference in students' lives and the overall classroom environment. When children learn to practice kindness—through small, everyday actions or larger intentional efforts—they begin to build empathy, strengthen friendships, and create a more inclusive space for everyone. Teaching students about kindness goes beyond simply encouraging polite behavior, it nurtures emotional growth and reinforces the importance of compassion and connection. These kindness activities and lesson ideas are designed to help students experience the joy of being kind to others while also recognizing the impact kindness can have on their own well-being.
1) EXPLICITLY TEACH KINDNESS VOCABULARY
When teaching my kindness unit, I am sure to give students the vocabulary necessary to learn about the topic and experience it in deep and meaningful ways. I provide them with the definitions for kindness, conscious, patience, generosity, compassion, and empathy. I define kindness as “acting on feelings of compassion, concern, and awareness of the needs of others.”
🌟 Through SEL-focused Morning Meetings, I display a bulletin board of the topic we are learning about. This bulletin board contains key vocabulary, related quotations, and anchor charts that we develop together throughout the unit.
2) TEACH STUDENTS ABOUT THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF KINDNESS
Kindness can take on many forms in our daily lives. Teaching students that kindness goes beyond simple acts of politeness helps them recognize the diverse ways they can positively impact others. By understanding the different types of kindness, students can become more intentional about how they interact with their peers, families, and communities.
After introducing the Types of Kindness, I offer a few kindness scenarios and examples that may arise in a classroom. Students discuss the type of kindness being portrayed, analyze how both people in the situation might feel, and generate other ideas for acts of kindness that could be applied to the scenario.
🌟This chart of Types of Kindness, along with the brainstorming graphic organizer can be found in my Kindness SEL teaching unit. It includes 20 days of editable lesson plans to help you teach your students about these various forms of kindness and the power behind creating ripple effects of kindness within their classroom, school, and surrounding communities.
3) DEMONSTRATE THE KINDNESS RIPPLE EFFECT
A simple yet powerful way to illustrate the meaning of ripple effect is through a hands-on demonstration. Fill a jar or bowl halfway with water and drop a small stone inside, allowing students to observe the ripples spreading outward. Explain that the stone represents an act of kindness, and the ripples reflect how that kindness can extend and inspire others. This visual representation helps students understand that their kindness has the power to influence the classroom, school, and community, reinforcing the importance of passing kindness on.
I love reinforcing this kindness activity with my interactive Ripple Effect Kindness Bulletin Board.
Each time a student experiences or witnesses kindness, they write it down on a stone-shaped template. Then, I challenge them to continue the ripple effect by passing on the kindness and performing a similar act for someone else. Once they do, they can add a checkmark to their stone, showing how the kindness ripple effect continues to grow.
4) PROVIDE SELF-REFLECTION OPPORTUNITIES
In my SEL Kindness Morning Meeting Unit, I like to use self-assessments and questionnaires that encourage students to reflect on their relationship with kindness and how they typically choose to show it. We also take time to set both personal and whole-class goals related to practicing kindness, whether it's through words or actions.
5) SURROUND STUDENTS WITH ACTS OF KINDNESS EXAMPLES
To help students recognize the power of kindness, surround them with real-life kindness examples that encourage thoughtful discussions and creative thinking. One way I like to do this is through Kindness Scenario Cards. In small groups or with a partner, students choose a few scenario cards and talk through the questions: What act of kindness was performed? How did it make both people feel? How could kindness be shown differently in the situation?
Another student favorite is brainstorming the ABC’s of Kind Deeds, where they think of one act of kindness for each letter of the alphabet. This ongoing activity encourages students to explore a variety of ways to be kind. Displaying the ideas on a shared anchor chart creates a lasting visual reminder in the classroom of how kindness can be incorporated into everyday life.
6) CREATE A KINDNESS ROCKS JAR
After demonstrating the kindness ripple effect for my students, I like to pour out the water and place the jar in a visible place where students can access it. I encourage students to add small rocks or marbles to the jar each time they perform an act of kindness throughout the school day. Students love watching the classroom kindness jar quickly fill to the top. This is an easy way to encourage performing acts of kindness throughout the entire school year.
7) READ ALOUD KINDNESS BOOKS
Incorporate children’s literature and picture books about kindness that touch on themes of conflict resolution, compromise, taking accountability, apologizing, and forgiveness. Some of my favorites are Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, One Smile by Cindy McKinley, and Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora. You can click here if you need more recommendations for read alouds about kindness!
🌟After reading aloud (or viewing) many different texts related to kindness, I lead my students through a compare and contrast activity. By detailing the situations, characters, and acts of kindness represented in each text, we are able to pull together themes and big ideas that encompass a variety of texts. By taking the time to tease out threads of connection among different stories, we are able to deepen the understanding of each text AND deepen students’ understanding of the power of kindness in their own lives.
8) START A KINDNESS CHALLENGE
Engage your students in a 30 Days of Kindness Challenge to encourage performing daily acts of kindness. Provide a kindness calendar filled with simple, actionable ideas for students to complete each day, such as writing a thank-you note, helping a classmate, or sharing a kind word. To keep them motivated, use a kindness tracker where they can log their acts of kindness and reflect on the impact these actions have on themselves and others.
This kindness challenge not only fosters a positive classroom environment but also helps students develop empathy and an awareness of how small gestures can make a big difference. You can adapt the calendar to fit any time frame, making it a perfect activity for a specific month, week, or even the entire school year.
9) ANALYZE KINDNESS QUOTATIONS
Have students reflect on quotes about kindness for students and analyze their similarities and differences to uncover big ideas about compassion and empathy. I weave inspiring quotes throughout my SEL Kindness Unit, often incorporating a kindness quote of the day to spark discussions. This practice helps guide students to think critically about the meaning of kindness and how it can positively influence their lives and relationships.
10) INCORPORATE KINDNESS ART ACTIVITIES
Kindness art activities are a creative way to celebrate and reinforce the importance of kindness in the classroom. Consider creating a kindness bulletin board or kindness wall in the classroom or hallway where students can showcase their work or visually represent the acts of kindness they are performing.
One example is the Kindness Heart Mosaic, where each student decorates a small heart to represent an act of kindness, compassion, or a positive message. Once the hearts are completed, assemble them into a large, colorful mosaic that can be displayed in the classroom or hallway for all to see. This kindness art project not only allows students to express themselves creatively but also serves as a visual reminder of the power of kindness, fostering a positive atmosphere in your school community.
11) CELEBRATE WORLD KINDNESS DAY, RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS WEEK, & KINDNESS MONTH
Celebrating special occasions like World Kindness Day (November 13th), Random Acts of Kindness Week (February 14-20), and Kindness Month (February) provides a wonderful opportunity to focus on kindness in a meaningful way. These events give students a chance to learn about and reflect on the power of kindness, while also encouraging them to actively engage in acts of compassion.
Whether it's performing spontaneous acts of kindness during Random Acts of Kindness Week or participating in community service during Kindness Month, these celebrations offer a chance to emphasize the importance of kindness. Use these observances to inspire students to not only show kindness to others but also to recognize the kindness they receive. Throughout the month or week, challenge students to reflect on how even small actions, when passed on, can have a big impact, making the world a kinder, more connected place.
12) SHOW KINDNESS VIDEOS
Video is a powerful tool for introducing new concepts to students, especially when demonstrating acts of kindness and the ripple effect it creates. This video highlights the impact of passing kindness on is one of my absolute favorites. In my SEL Kindness Morning Meeting Unit I’ve included a suggested playlist of videos designed to help teach students about the importance of kindness.
13) CREATE KINDNESS SYMBOLS
Ask students to come up with a symbol that represents kindness and can serve as a personal reminder to help them practice kindness in everyday situations. Examples of symbols could include a heart (representing love and compassion), a smiling face (symbolizing positivity and encouragement), an open hand (representing helping others), or a sun (symbolizing warmth and support).
14) SEEK INSPIRATION FROM KINDNESS OF OTHERS
Help students explore the meaning of kindness by reflecting on the actions of people who inspire them. Begin by asking students to close their eyes and think about someone they know who truly embodies kindness. After a few moments, have them turn to a partner and describe this person, focusing on the qualities and actions that make them stand out.
Next, I like to give students time to reflect and identify specific traits, actions, and habits of this individual, helping them recognize what kindness looks like in everyday life. This activity not only allows students to appreciate the role models in their lives but also encourages them to adopt similar traits and behaviors in their own journey toward kindness.
15) CREATE A KINDNESS RECIPE
Have students create a fun and imaginative recipe for kindness by brainstorming the key "ingredients" needed to foster compassion and empathy. Encourage them to think deeply about what makes someone kind—ingredients might include compassion, patience, empathy, thoughtful actions, listening, and showing love. Invite them to reflect on small gestures like asking someone how they feel or lending a helping hand, reinforcing that kindness often lies in the simplest of actions.
Once the list of ingredients is complete, guide students in writing out the “steps” for their recipe, using each ingredient they’ve listed. Encourage creativity by having them incorporate cooking-related verbs such as “stir,” “blend,” “sprinkle,” or “fold in.” For example, "Stir in two cups of empathy and sprinkle a handful of compliments over the top." Display their finished recipes in the classroom or compile them into a class “Kindness Cookbook” to remind students of the importance of spreading kindness every day.
16) TEACH STUDENTS TO “PASS IT ON” WITH THE PLASTIC HEART ACTIVITY
The plastic heart activity is my one of my MOST favorite lessons in my SEL Kindness Morning Meeting Unit. This activity gives students a tangible way to pass on kindness around our school and community.
I begin by reading Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli, a heartwarming story that highlights the transformative power of kindness. After the read-aloud, we discuss how being more aware of others’ needs can reveal opportunities to extend compassion and care. I then give each student a plastic heart, explaining that it symbolizes love and kindness. “Each of you has the choice – hold onto the heart tightly or pass it on to someone else. Use this heart to brighten someone’s day, show appreciation, or acknowledge the hard work and kindness of others.”
Students are encouraged to pass the heart to anyone within the school community, at home, or even outside of school. This simple yet impactful activity not only promotes empathy but helps students experience the joy of giving. Get all the details of my favorite kindness activity here!
17) TEACH HOW TO APOLOGIZE SINCERELY
Teaching students why apologizing is important reinforces that kindness includes taking responsibility for our actions. Start by creating a chart titled “What Makes a Good Apology?” and brainstorming key elements with students. Read aloud Sorry (Really Sorry) by Joanna Cotler to discuss how to apologize and how apologies—or the lack of them—affect relationships. Introduce the “Steps to an Apology”, then let students role-play scenarios where they practice how to apologize sincerely. Practicing good and bad examples helps students understand that a meaningful apology is an essential part of showing care and kindness.
18) DISCUSS THE CHALLENGES OF BEING KIND
It is no secret that being consistently kind has its challenges. This can be especially true for students who deal with different emotional struggles, relational challenges among peers, and a range of models of behavior from adults. Have students share examples of challenges as you create an anchor chart. Try to get a good variety of challenges to discuss. Then, discuss ways we can overcome the different challenges we face in being kind.
🌟 I like to lead this activity with the graphic organizer shown in the picture below. After students and I generate a few examples, students can add challenges specific to their own experiences with kindness. Allowing them a bit of time to think through their own ways to overcome these challenges helps support students in dealing with similar challenges more appropriately and positively in the future.
NEED MORE KINDNESS ACTIVITIES AND DONE-FOR-YOU RESOURCES FOR TEACHING KINDNESS?
You can manage to do each of these activities with a reflection journal and materials you have around the classroom, but if you want some of the work done for you, you can check out my Kindness theme SEL unit. I use this unit for a 2-3 week morning meeting unit. It includes student journal pages, detailed and editable kindness lesson plans, bulletin board materials with kindness vocabulary and related kindness quotations, and Google Slides for the teacher and a digital student notebook. This Kindness theme SEL unit is also included in the SEL Morning Meeting MEGA Bundle that contains 17 social- emotional learning themes. If you’re looking to increase your social-emotional learning focus, you’ve come to the right place!
SEL THEMES TO GUIDE YOUR MORNING MEETINGS ALL YEAR
If you’d like more social-emotional learning theme units with a focus on encouraging students’ social, emotional, and academic success, you may be interested in the SEL Morning Meeting Mega Bundle of 17 theme units. With units focused on gratitude, empathy and compassion, growth mindset, conflict resolution and compromise, grit and perseverance, responsibility, understanding and managing emotions, and so much more, your engaging morning meeting plans are done for you and your students will love them! You can save 10% on the Mega Bundle of all 17 themes with the code MM10.
