Teacher Script: Kindness Canvas

Introduction (Slide 1: Kindness Canvas: Paint Your Impact!)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Welcome to our art therapy group. Today, we're going on a special journey to explore something beautiful and powerful: kindness. We're going to use art to express our thoughts and feelings about kindness, and to think about how we can spread more of it in the world by building a 'Kindness Chain.' No need to be a 'perfect' artist – this is about expressing yourselves and sharing your unique perspective. Let's begin!"

What is Kindness? (Slide 2: What is Kindness?)

"To start, let's think about this big word: kindness. In your own words, how would you define kindness? What does it mean to you? Don't be shy, there are no wrong answers here. Feel free to share your thoughts."

"That's great. Now, let's get a bit more descriptive. What does kindness look like when you see it? What does it sound like when someone is kind? And how does it feel when someone is kind to you, or when you are kind to someone else?"

Why Does Kindness Matter? (Slide 3: Why Does Kindness Matter?)

"We've talked about what kindness is and how it feels. Now, let's consider why it's so important. How does kindness impact you personally? And how does it impact others, perhaps in our school, our community, or even the world?"

"Do you think one small act of kindness, like holding a door or sharing a smile, can really make a big difference? Why or why not?"

Your Kindness Chain Challenge! (Slide 4: Kindness Chain: Link Up!)

"Alright, now for the creative part! Today, you're going to become 'kindness chain builders.' Your challenge is to create several individual links for a larger 'Kindness Chain' that we will build together.

Each link will represent a specific act of kindness. This could be something you've witnessed someone else do, something wonderful you've received from another person, or even an act of kindness you aspire to do or see more of in the world. Think about specific moments or general ideas.

You'll use words, colors, shapes, and symbols to tell your kindness story on each paper link. Let your imagination guide you!"

"I have distributed the Kindness Chain Links Activity Guide for more details on the activity."

Time to Create! (Slide 5: Crafting Your Kindness Links!)

"Now, let's get started! I'll hand out the pre-cut construction paper strips and art supplies, along with scissors and glue sticks/tape. Please choose what you'd like to use. During this time, I encourage you to relax, focus on your feelings, and let your creativity flow. Remember, there's no 'right' or 'wrong' way to make art. What words, colors, or shapes come to mind when you think about an act of kindness for each link? Feel free to play some calming background music as you work."

Connect Our Kindness Chain! (Slide 6: Connect Our Kindness Chain!)

"Alright, artists and chain builders! It looks like many of you are finishing up your links. Now comes a powerful part of our session: sharing our Kindness Links and building our collective chain. We'll go around the circle, and I invite each of you to share a few of your links with the group.

When you share, please tell us:

• What act of kindness one of your links represents.
• Why you chose this particular act or image to portray.
• How it felt to create this piece and how it feels to share it and connect it to our growing chain.

As you share, we'll connect our individual links to create one long, beautiful 'Kindness Chain.' Let's remember to listen respectfully to each other's stories and art."

Reflecting on Our Kindness (Slide 7: Reflecting on Our Kindness)

"Thank you all for sharing such beautiful and thoughtful pieces and for helping to build our amazing Kindness Chain. It's truly inspiring. Let's take a moment to reflect on our experience today.

What did you learn or feel while creating your kindness links? Did anything surprise you about the process?"

"Did seeing others' links and our growing Kindness Chain change your perspective on kindness in any way?"

"How can we use our Kindness Chain, or the positive feelings we generated today, to inspire more kindness in our daily lives?"

Our Kindness Chain: A Ripple Effect! (Slide 8: Our Kindness Chain: A Ripple Effect!)

"Before we wrap up, remember that our 'Kindness Chain' is more than just paper links; it's a powerful reminder and a message. It shows how much kindness means to all of us and how our individual acts connect to create something bigger.

I'd like each of you to think about one new, small way you can spread kindness this week. It could be something you've seen today, or a new idea entirely. You can jot down your thought on the Cool Down: Kindness Reflection sheet. I'll hand those out now."

"Let's commit to painting the world with kindness, one act at a time. Thank you all for your wonderful participation today!"

Your Kindness Chain: Link by Link!

Introduction

Welcome, Kindness Chain Builders! Today, we're going to work together to create a powerful and beautiful "Kindness Chain." Each of you will make several individual links that, when connected, will form a long chain representing all the kindness in our group. Get ready to show your vision of kindness through art!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your meaningful Kindness Chain links:

1. Brainstorm Acts of Kindness

Take a few moments to think about multiple acts of kindness. Each one will become a separate link in our chain. It could be:

• An act you saw someone do for another person (e.g., helping a friend, volunteering).
• An act of kindness that someone showed to you (e.g., a comforting word, a thoughtful gesture).
• An act of kindness you wish to see more of in the world, or something you plan to do (e.g., creating a welcoming space, sharing resources).
  
  
  
  

2. Prepare Your Links

You have been given several strips of construction paper. These will be your individual links. If your strips are not pre-cut, carefully cut them to a consistent size (e.g., 2 inches wide by 8 inches long) to make it easier to connect later.

3. Decorate Each Link

On each paper strip, you will represent one act of kindness from your brainstormed list. Use the art supplies (markers, colored pencils, crayons) to decorate each link.

• Write words or phrases that describe the act of kindness.
• Draw symbols or images that represent the kindness.
• Use colors that reflect the emotions and ideas associated with that act of kindness.
• Don't worry about making it "perfect." This is about expressing your feelings and ideas for each act of kindness.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

4. Prepare to Connect

Once you have finished decorating all your kindness links, keep them ready. We will share them as a group, and then you will connect your links with those of your classmates to build our collective Kindness Chain! We will use glue sticks or tape for connection.

Cool Down: Kindness Reflection

Before we leave today, let's take a moment to reflect on our session and our beautiful "Kindness Chain."

1. What is one thing you learned or realized about kindness today?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Think about the power of our collective art. How can you use the feeling or message from our Kindness Chain to inspire one small act of kindness this week? Describe what that act might be.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Thank you for sharing your kindness today!