What does it mean to be kind, and how do you teach kids to be kind? The book Be Kind is a heartwarming kindness picture book that can make it all easier.
A Kindness Picture Book: Using Be Kind To Teach
As students travel through their early school years, kindness is a word teachers use often…very often. Much like how the word “yet” carries weight in a classroom when it comes to a growth mindset, the phrase “be kind” carries a great deal of weight.
Kindness is a skill that takes a bit of practice, and some have “yet” to learn or need more practice. Perhaps students might not fully grasp how to treat each other with kindness. With time, they begin to grasp the concept more effortlessly.
However, the journey of kindness extends far beyond Kindergarten. It continues to unfold in 1st grade, 2nd grade, and beyond, further enriching their ability to perform acts of kindness.
Imagine having a beautiful and unique picture book like “Be Kind” by Pat Zietlow Miller. It’s like a “superbook” for spreading kindness in the classroom. Plus, it’s a fun and heartwarming way to help kids understand and practice kindness.
Table of Contents
- A Kindness Picture Book: Using Be Kind To Teach
- Using Picture Books to Teach Kindness
- Be Kind Summary
- Using “Be Kind” to Teach Kindness
- Kindness Picture Book Lesson Plans: “Be Kind”
- “Be Kind” Extension Activities
- Kindness Book Companions
- Resources to Help You Teach Kindness
- More Growth Mindset Ideas For The Classroom
Using Picture Books to Teach Kindness
Social emotional picture books are a powerful tool for instilling kindness in the classroom. Firstly, these books provide tangible examples that help students distinguish acts of kindness from other behaviors. Sometimes, grasping the concept of kindness can be challenging for young minds, and having relatable stories can be a game-changer.
At the same time, picture books are crafted to ensure that children comprehend the characters, plot, and underlying message, and are perfectly designed for young readers. The scenarios and examples of kindness depicted in these books are tailored to suit the understanding of students in younger grades.
Further, these books offer opportunities for extension activities and group discussions. They foster open communication among students, encouraging them to forge connections with the material and providing a platform to discuss kindness and what it entails. All of this can help students internalize the importance of kindness in their everyday lives.
Be Kind Summary
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller is a heartwarming picture book that beautifully conveys the importance of kindness in our lives. The story revolves around a young girl named Tanisha, who experiences a difficult day at school. Following Tanisha’s lead, a classmate named Rafael is inspired to show kindness in various ways, from small gestures to grander acts of compassion, after watching Tanisha.
The book explores the ripple effect of kindness, demonstrating how even small acts can significantly impact others.
Be Kind reminds us of our power to create a more compassionate and understanding world. It encourages readers, young and old alike, to embrace kindness in daily interactions and their everyday lives.
Using “Be Kind” to Teach Kindness
Be Kind is an excellent resource for teachers seeking to show students the value of kindness. Teachers can use this picture book about kindness as a starting point for meaningful discussions on empathy, compassion, and the impact even minor acts of kindness can have on others.
In addition, interactive activities, creative projects, and discussions encourage students to reflect on their experiences and consider how to incorporate kindness into their daily lives. Teachers can help students understand kindness and how to show it to themselves and others.
Kindness Picture Book Lesson Plans: “Be Kind”
Be Kind is a perfect addition to your classroom library for teaching kindness. When paired with other excellent kindness books and videos for the classroom, this book can help you easily create wonderful lesson plans centered around kindness.
Discussion Questions and Ideas
Before heading into the pages of Be Kind, encourage kids to reflect on a time when they found it challenging to be kind, but now they can do it easily. It could be related to school or their personal lives. After, have a conversation about something kind that a student may not have mastered yet.
As you begin reading, guide a discussion about the idea that each student has a remarkable capacity for kindness. Ask questions that prompt students to think not only about kindness but also about the book’s elements.
Some kindness questions to ask:
- How is this character showing kindness?
- What is a way you could show kindness in the world?
When they finish the book, invite students to share how they plan to use their unique capacity for kindness to achieve their goals. This reinforces the “Be Kind” message and empowers each student to embrace their potential for spreading kindness.
Book chat cards or discussion starters are a great tool for enhancing understanding and promoting a culture of kindness. These can be used before, during, and after reading to spark thoughtful reflections and discussions about kindness and its significance in their lives.
“I Can Be Kind” Anchor Chart
The “I can be kind” interactive anchor chart is a powerful tool for creating a classroom culture of kindness. For the most part, this chart allows students to actively participate in the process of kindness by filling in various ways they can demonstrate it.
From school to home, in the community, and, equally important, our planet, this chart is a daily reminder that kindness can be shown in many ways in many places.
How To Be Kind Writing Piece
The “Steps of Being Kind” writing prompt is simple yet powerful and helps break down the practice of kindness. Students think of four “how to be kind” steps. After that, they write them down under each flap of the heart. Finally, they illustrate each one.
This piece highlights key actions like listening and showing empathy, showing how even small gestures can make a big difference.
“Be Kind” Extension Activities
After reading this kindness picture book and completing the discussion, anchor chart, and writing prompt. You may want to include other engaging activities to reinforce the idea of kindness.
“Be Kind” Scenario Cards
Use the role-play scenario cards to present relatable situations where kindness can make a difference, and to give participants an opportunity to step into others’ shoes and act them out. Moreover, these interactive scenarios help students grasp the significance of kindness across contexts and develop vital social and emotional skills.
By engaging in role-play, students learn the power of kindness firsthand and internalize natural responses to real-life situations.
Kindness Rainbow
This delightful and creative activity encourages children to express and celebrate kindness. Using an array of vibrant colors, students create a beautiful rainbow that helps represent kindness.
But it doesn’t stop there. Once the rainbow is complete, students glue on clouds and a kindness quote to remind them of everything they have learned.
Kindness Pledge and Certificate
Once in a while, students forget exactly how to be kind. For this reason, creating a kindness pledge is a great way to ensure students are ready to be kind. The pledge may include specific actions you hope to see in your school, classroom, etc.
Consider keeping this kindness pledge handy and using it during SEL morning meetings or as part of your daily routine before instruction begins.
Afterward, create kindness certificates for them to take home and share with their families. Without a doubt, these will inspire great at-home discussions.
Kindness Book Companions
Obviously, including multiple kindness picture books to show students how to be kind is always a great idea. I’ve created more book companions that are perfect for kindness books.
Kindness is a Kite String
The Kindness is a Kite String book helps us understand that kindness is something we can pass on. Kids will think of simple ways to spread kindness to others.
A Little Spot of Kindness
The A Little Spot of Kindness book companion lesson helps us recognize opportunities to act with kindness. Kids will also learn synonyms for kindness and that kindness is many things.
The Cool Bean
The Cool Bean book companion lesson teaches kids what it really means to be cool (Psst, it’s being kind!). They will learn that being cool is more than how they look. It’s about how they act with kindness. This is a must-read kindness book for kids!
Try a Little Kindness
The Try a Little Kindness book companion lesson helps kids learn to identify and describe simple ways to be kind. They will understand that we can be kind in how we act, help, and what we do and say.
Resources to Help You Teach Kindness
“Be Kind” Book Companion
The “Be Kind” book companion teaches children what kindness means in various ways. The activities help them identify different ways to be kind and give them plenty of opportunities to instill kindness in students.
If you are looking to build your kindness lesson plan repertoire, you could quickly grab these book companions in our kindness book companion bundle. You get lesson plans and book activities for the books mentioned above, and peace of mind knowing you’re giving students many positive examples of what kindness looks like.
Free Kindness Calendar Poster Kit
Try the FREE Kindness Calendar Poster Kid by Proud to be Primary. Not only will students love being able to perform random acts of kindness. Plus, when reading the kindness picture book Be Kind, this kindness calendar makes a great extension activity.
Click the image below to grab a copy.
More Kindness Lessons & Activities
Proud to be Primary has many resources to help teach and bring kindness into your classroom. With kindness units and book companions, you can find almost everything you need to ensure your classroom is full of kindness.
- Kindness & Bucket Filler Lessons & Social Skills Activities
- Kindness Classroom Challenge, Calendars, & Activities
More Growth Mindset Ideas For The Classroom
Kindness Books and Videos For The Classroom
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