Monthly Kindness Challenge

Rebecca Biggard

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Monthly Kindness Challenge

Foster ongoing empathy and kindness

This monthly school-wide initiative encourages students from kindergarten to 6th grade to perform acts of kindness throughout the month. The goal is to instill empathy and kindness continuously, while also boosting self-esteem and creating a positive school environment. This initiative is important as it helps students develop social-emotional skills and fosters a sense of community across different age groups.

Audience

Grades K-6 Students

Time

1 month

Approach

Foster ongoing empathy and kindness

Materials

Post-it notes, Pens, Acts of Kindness Worksheet, and Kindness Wall Display Materials

Step 1

Introduction Assembly

30 minutes

Host a school assembly at the beginning of each month to introduce the 'Monthly Kindness Challenge'.
Announce the kindness theme for the month (e.g., 'Helping Hands', 'Gratitude', 'Sharing Smiles').
Discuss the importance of kindness and how it can impact the school community.
Share examples of kind acts related to the theme and encourage students to think of their own.

Step 2

Classroom Activities

Varies by grade

Grades K-2: Use simple language to explain the monthly theme and have students draw a picture of a kind act they can do related to the theme. Examples: sharing toys, helping a friend tie their shoes, giving a compliment, picking up litter.
Grades 3-4: Use the 'Acts of Kindness Worksheet' to plan and document acts of kindness related to the theme. Examples: writing a thank-you note to a teacher, helping a classmate with homework, inviting someone to play, donating a book.
Grades 5-6: Encourage students to write a short paragraph about a kind act they performed related to the theme and its impact. Examples: organizing a class clean-up, starting a kindness club, mentoring a younger student, volunteering for a school event.

Step 3

Kindness Wall

Ongoing

Create a 'Kindness Wall' in a common area where students can post their acts of kindness.
Encourage students to read and be inspired by the acts of others.
Update the wall monthly with new acts and themes.

Step 4

Reflection and Celebration

30 minutes

At the end of each month, gather students for a reflection session.
Have students share their experiences and feelings about the challenge and the theme.
Celebrate the acts of kindness with a small event or recognition ceremony.
Introduce the theme for the next month's challenge.

Worksheet

Acts of Kindness Worksheet

This worksheet helps students in grades 3-4 plan and document their acts of kindness. It includes prompts for students to describe their planned act and reflect on the experience.

Describe the act of kindness you plan to perform.

Think about how you can help or make someone feel good.

Who will you perform this act of kindness for?

Consider classmates, teachers, or school staff.

How did performing this act of kindness make you feel?

Reflect on your emotions and any changes you noticed.

What impact did your act of kindness have on the person you helped?

Think about their reaction and any feedback you received.