Here are some specific ways we can put research into practice and promote joyful learning opportunities: Revamp your classroom to appeal to your students. She is a former kindergarten teacher who is passionate about early childhood education, as well as equity work in education, to ensure that all students have the opportunity to reach their true potential. .⁣, Tricky sight words always require extra hands-on p, What's better? No matter what grade level you teach, never underestimate your impact. Creating a culture of kindness is a crucial part of a well-functioning classroom. Kindness in the classroom is linked to a strong sense of belonging and increased  self-esteem as acceptance for peers develops. Then, we often partner up to engage, personally greet our friend, and go deeper in discussion. Her first book, Education Write Now Volume II, Top Strategies for Improving Relationships and Culture, co-authored with nine other passionate educators, will release in December 2018. In our classroom, we gather in a circle for a welcome message and short discussion. It may feel like our children actively do the opposite of what we say and do but, deep down, they are soaking up our example like a sponge. But also take the time out to research and go to the library to find books with characters who have different experiences and cultures. Another situation could be acting out two different ways to ask a classmate for supplies. They can be utilized with all ages, and at the secondary level, may be called collaborative class discussions. Create a calendar with their kindness ideas. Modeling kind speech with students tends to have the happy effect of students speaking kindly to each other. Throw kindness around like confetti! A kindness flyer is another simple way to engage students in middle school in compassionate acts. They are best used in conjunction with a range of other intrinsic and extrinsic motivators. Acknowledge kindness publicly whenever you see it. Then see how long it takes to get a blackout bingo. Again, make a big deal out of their reports, praising and reinforcing the kind behavior you hope to see. What will you do today to foster a community built on kindness, empathy and authentic connections? Required fields are marked *. Ashley Judd is a 4th Grade Teacher at Tyner Elementary in Tyner, KY.  She specializes in elementary education and incorporating innovative classroom practices, aimed at amplifying student growth. In early January 2019, her second book, Take the L.E.A.P., Ignite a Culture of Innovation will be released. She is a Public Broadcasting System (PBS) Digital Innovator and was the recipient of the New York State Excellence in Teaching award. Create an anchor chart listing characteristics of kind people. When one act of kindness is conducted between classmates, the recipient(s) of the act  pass on a new act of kindness to another classmate until the entire classroom family has experienced at least one act of kindness that was bestowed upon them at closing circle (yep, like morning circle but at the end of the day). Share WONDERful Ways to be Kind. Mainstream books are great and should stay in the classroom library. Walk them to the door and say goodbye. 4. (Evoking Empathy). Fostering a culture of kindness enhances the connections made peer-to-peer and student to teacher. Have sticky notes or scraps of paper available for children to write down or draw pictures to acknowledge kind acts they witness in the classroom. If you purchase through the links I earn a small commission. Upon examination, I discovered that the ‘magic crystal’ was a grain of rock salt that had made its way into the building on the bottom of someone’s snow covered boot. Why? ❤⁣ To start, give paper strips to teachers. I also make it a point to be overly kind to our cafeteria staff in front of the students. Set up a regular time to go over their notes, perhaps in the afternoon or first thing in the morning. As teachers, especially of little ones, we are keenly aware of the profound influence our everyday actions and attitudes can have on our students. Your email address will not be published. Important positive social skills include empathy, tolerance, patience, and effective communication. When these needs are met, students can better focus on learning and are more likely to engage in critical thinking, express creativity, collaborate, communicate effectively, and persevere through challenges -- essential skills our youth require. On the last day, staple classroom chains together and string throughout the hallways. In addition, gestures with arms and constantly moving around the classroom will allow your students to be interested in the classroom … A small, class community service project is a great way to connect to your community and provide an intentional opportunity for your students to experience empathy. Make a big deal out of little acts of kindness such as helping a friend, sharing a toy or using nice manners. At the beginning of every day we share out ways that we have shown kindness. If you strive for perfection you will always be di, Love free resources AND bingo dabbers? The center is a great way for students to come back and reflect on the lessons learned through each book. I often hear students singing along with Daniel and his friends as they Find a way to play together and Try to solve the problems themselves. A friendship or kindness center has the potential to empower learners to explore different aspects of friendship. For example, “Ricky helped me clean up a mess that wasn’t even his,” or “Jamie said thank you when I gave her her paper.”, To make sure every child is acknowledged, you can have each student say something complimentary about the student directly next to them. Do the same at the end of the day. Recognizing and Accepting Differences is the Path to Kindness. Some ideas: Plan activities that encourage your students to practice kindness around your school and community. Involve cooperative -- rather than competitive or individualistic -- work different than learning in the classroom library need a while... It ’ s high ’ community built on kindness, the world will always be di, love resources! Yet not know how to take action by acting them out over notes..., increasing work ethic and helping with simple tasks in two forms: motivation. Turns talking and technology skills in and out of their kind act )! Rights reserved julie ’ s time practice different situations as they come up group! 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