Introduction:
“Each Kindness” by Jacqueline Woodson is a wonderful book that teaches children the importance of kindness and consideration. The story follows Chloe, who learns about the ripple effect of each small act of kindness on others. To reinforce this valuable message, here are 20 fun and engaging book-based activities for kids to enjoy.
1. Kindness Rocks: Paint rocks with colorful designs and inspiring words, then place them around your community to spread kindness.
2. Ripple Effect Science Experiment: Show the kids how kindness works through a simple water ripple experiment.
3. Kindness Jar: Create a kindness jar where children can add a marble or token each time they do something kind for someone else.
4. Kindness Bingo: Make a bingo card with different acts of kindness and encourage kids to complete as many as they can.
5. Paper Chain of Kindness: Write acts of kindness on paper strips and connect them in a chain to visualize the impact of their actions.
6. Each Kindness Skit: Have kids put on a skit or play based on the story, teaching others about the importance of being kind.
7. Compliment Tags: Give each child a tag, and encourage them to write compliments for their friends to wear throughout the day.
8. Friendship Bracelets: Teach kids how to make friendship bracelets as acts of kindness for their friends.
9. Kindness Tree: Create a tree with paper leaves where each leaf has an act of kindness written on it that children can choose to perform.
10. Letter Writing: Encourage kids to write letters or cards expressing gratitude, friendship, or encouragement for others.
11. Random Acts of Kindness Calendar: Create a calendar with daily random acts of kindness suggestions for an entire month.
12. Read Aloud Extension: Read other books that promote kindness, such as “Wonder,” “Be Kind” and “The Invisible Boy.”
13. Draw A Kindness Comic: Let kids draw comics where they display acts of kindness.
14. Kindness Scavenger Hunt: Organize a scavenger hunt that involves finding items associated with kindness or completing kind tasks.
15. Create Your Own Story: Encourage children to write their own story about how a small act of kindness made a big difference in someone’s life.
16. Charitable Activities: Volunteer for a community organization or donate toys to charity as an example of kindness in action.
17. Share the Message: Encourage kids to teach others about the message of “Each Kindness” by sharing the book with friends or family members.
18. Friendship Circle: Have kids sit in a circle and share something kind about the person on their left, reinforcing the importance of spreading positivity.
19. Acts of Kindness Role-Playing: Set up different scenarios and have kids brainstorm and act out how they can be kind in each situation.
20. Reflect On Kindness: End each activity session by reflecting on how their acts of kindness can make a difference in other people’s lives.
Conclusion:
Incorporate these 20 activities based on “Each Kindness” to share the importance of being kind with your children. By doing so, you’re not only creating engaging learning experiences but also teaching them valuable life lessons and encouraging empathy, compassion, and understanding for others.
