Tuesday, Nov. 13th is World Kindness Day. I hope that you will take this day to incorporate a message of kindness in your classroom, or join my class in our 14 week kindness challenge starting Tuesday and running through mid-February, RAK week. This year our class motto has been "Consider what kind of day you are making for someone else." I remind my students of this often, as they walk out to PE or lunch, when tension is high in the room, and as they leave for the day. I want them to understand the powerful impact their words and actions can have on other people. I want to help them to develop into people that can consider the feelings of others, and when necessary put their own feelings or desires second. It's natural for children to be self-centered. They are used to everyone being centered around them. They are used to family members and teachers meeting their needs. That really is okay, however, it is never too young to start teaching them to see outside of their self. This lesson is something we all could stand to be reminded of. It's very easy to get caught up in our own struggle, our busy days and our own wants/needs. Along the way, we may overlook the impact of our interactions. You may think one frustrated grumbling at the Starbucks worker who messed up your order and made you late, isn't that big of a deal in the scheme of things. But imagine if the worker has 10 or 20 negative interactions throughout the day. How will they feel at the end of the day? I'm sure their evening reflection will not be "I love my job." You can help your students see beyond their self by:
1. Modeling: Be an example to them of someone who puts others first. Let them see it in your interactions with students, parents and other staff members. Also, tell stories from your life about being on either side, the good and bad examples of how other's actions have impacted you. 2. Talk it out: When a student makes a bad choice, take time to discuss with them the ramifications of their actions. For instance, if they are continuing to disrupt the class lesson, explain to them how it makes you feel and what the negative effects on the other students could be. When they understand that their actions effect you personally, hopefully they will think of those feelings before being disruptive again. 3. Don't give up: Some kids are going to need many "talks" before they are able to curb their behavior. Taking the time to share your feelings and get to know their's can have a huge impact. 4. Praise the good: When you see students doing well, point it out, make note of how they are impacting your (or someone else's) day. Ex." Wow, thank you Jimmy for cleaning up your table, I know our janitor will really appreciate coming into a clean classroom." 5. Talk about the bad and connect to their feelings: Have occasional (separate from specific instances) conversations about how our actions can impact others. For instance, have them give examples of times they feel frustrated. Then, discuss instances when teachers or family members might feel frustrated. That connection of emotion will increase their understanding of other's feelings. 6. Remind them: Since it is natural for kids to be self-centered, give them encouraging reminders to consider others that are specific to the situation they are approaching. Ex: "Guys, while you are at PE today, think about how we want Mrs. Berry to feel at the end of the day and how your actions can influence that. Do we want her to feel worn out and frustrated? No! Good, so go make PE fun for Mrs. Berry by being great listeners, playing hard, and treating others well." There are many other ways to incorporate these concepts into your classroom. The bottom line is that it should be a constant effort. Be patient with your student and you will see beautiful things develop in their lives. Each of these websites have great ideas for incorporating kindness in your classroom: https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/ http://www.lifevestinside.com https://thegreatkindnesschallenge.com/
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Niki EgelhoffI love learning and sharing ideas. Please join in my conversations. Archives
January 2019
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