Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Some of the words associated with kindness are affection, gentleness, warmth, concern, and care. The act of being kind often requires courage and strength, but a simple act of kindness can have huge effects individually and globally.

Think back to a time when someone was kind to you or when you were kind to someone else. Do you remember the feeling you felt when that person held the door open for you? Did you happen to see the other person smile or light up when you acted with kindness?

Take a look at how kindness affects a human being:

Kindness Makes People Happier- We feel good when we help or do the right action. It actually increases the dopamine levels in the brain.
Kindness Creates Healthier Hearts- The feeling of emotional warmth typically follows acts of kindness. Emotional warmth produces a hormone (oxytocin) in the body which releases a chemical that lowers blood pressure and protects the heart.
Kindness Slows the Aging Process- The hormone (oxytocin) that we produce through emotional warmth reduces the levels of free radicals and inflammation in the cardiovascular system thus slowing the aging process and lowering the risk of heart disease.
Kindness Builds Better Relationships- When people show us kindness, it connects us emotionally and builds bonds between people. As humans, it is a genetic thing; we are wired for kindness.
Kindness is Inspiring and Contagious- Studies show that when we’re kind to each other, it inspires people to continue to be kind; hence, the act of kindness creates a ripple effect to our friends’ friends near and far.

Kindness just feels good! So, as the hustle and bustle of the holidays approach us, consider teaching your students a little more about the effects of being kind. Give them the opportunity to learn that a simple random act of kindness may be the best gift to give this holiday season. Instead of having a gift exchange, create a classroom Holiday Kindness Calendar/Bulletin Board, similar to an Advent calendar, to help spread kindness throughout the month of December.

Holiday Kindness Calendar Activity

Create a Holiday Kindness Calendar as an interactive bulletin board activity. Remind your students that kindness starts with each of them. This month, they will “pay it forward” with kindness. You and your students will reveal a random act of kindness task to complete for each day of December just as one would interact with an Advent calendar.

Materials

Bulletin board
List of Kindness Acts
Construction paper or computer paper
Holiday gift wrap
Holiday bows/ribbon
Scissors
Glue, tape, or stapler
Markers

To Do

Create paper presents. Using two sheets of construction paper, gift wrap, and bows, create wrapped presents that lift up to reveal the random act of kindness for each day. (See Example)
On the bottom sheet, write the random act of kindness to complete. As one of the final tasks, have each student create their own random acts to complete while they are at home for the holiday break.
On the top sheet, cover it in holiday wrapping paper. Decorate each top sheet like a different present with bows or ribbons. Staple it to the bottom sheet of paper so that the top sheet lifts up to reveal the task written underneath.
Allow time for students to write a brief journal reflection or conduct a group discussion to share about their experiences.

Here’s a list of random acts of kindness to get your list started:

Write positive notes on sticky notes and leave them in random places around the classroom or school (in a library book, a locker, on a desk, etc.).
Smile at strangers.
Write a Thank-You note for someone at school.
Share your snack with a friend.
Pick up another student’s jacket, pencil, or book off the floor.
Ask a student you’ve never played with to join you at recess.
Pick up trash around the classroom, cafeteria, or school yard.
Ask someone (maybe a teacher, principal, bus driver) how their day is going.
Give someone a compliment; say something that makes them feel good.
Give up your recess to help an adult at school (custodian, secretary, PE or Art teacher).
Write someone a friendly note.
Let someone skip ahead of you in line.
Give out a free hug…with permission.
Hold the door open.
Make someone laugh.
Do an extra chore without being asked.
Leave some change in the vending machine.
Call your grandparents and tell them you love them.
Donate food to a food bank or toys to a charity.
Make a card for a soldier, elderly neighbor, or friend.
Do chores for someone in your family.
Help your brother or sister wrap a gift.
Make cookies for a neighbor.
Give treats to your mail carrier.
Help someone unload their groceries from the car.

The list is endless! I’m sure your students will have some excellent ideas to add to the list. Enjoy this fun holiday activity and observe how your class lights up this holiday season!

“Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.” -Harold S. Kushner