Be Kind.
By the year’s end we as a group had grown into a community of caring individuals. The most out-going child encouraged the most reserved child. The children became proud of each other’s successes and cheered each other's efforts.. Their energy dial now pointed to the positive. Classroom management eased up. The students' acts of kindness began to be noticed and the campus trash problem cleared up due to their efforts.
Kindness is universal, encourages positive social interactions, and is other-centered. The act of being kind begins in the heart, is activated by the mind, is cultivated by the Spirit, and is instituted by the action.
On Valentine’s Day my class stepped it up. I wanted them to
appreciate and honor the adults in the school who served them, and to learn that we should always thank people who help
us. Our class made valentine thank you cards for every support person who worked on
campus: The crossing guard, the cook and cafeteria workers, yard duty personnel,
instructional aides, office personnel, maintenance personnel, bus drivers,
computer technician.
Next, I demonstrated to the children proper etiquette, and they practiced, student to student. The children learned how to introduce themselves, how to look the other person in the eye, how to read the card to its recipient, and how to shake their hand or give a hug when finished. They did well with this activity and the staff responded happily and graciously. The children's kind acts continued all year. They became thoughtful and generous, encouraging and kind.
Next, I demonstrated to the children proper etiquette, and they practiced, student to student. The children learned how to introduce themselves, how to look the other person in the eye, how to read the card to its recipient, and how to shake their hand or give a hug when finished. They did well with this activity and the staff responded happily and graciously. The children's kind acts continued all year. They became thoughtful and generous, encouraging and kind.
By the year’s end we as a group had grown into a community of caring individuals. The most out-going child encouraged the most reserved child. The children became proud of each other’s successes and cheered each other's efforts.. Their energy dial now pointed to the positive. Classroom management eased up. The students' acts of kindness began to be noticed and the campus trash problem cleared up due to their efforts.
Kindness is universal, encourages positive social interactions, and is other-centered. The act of being kind begins in the heart, is activated by the mind, is cultivated by the Spirit, and is instituted by the action.
A good way to live out faith is in the little things, in the
everyday kindnesses. “Faith without works is dead,” Scripture says. Faith gives
out of its ‘living’ generosity and its valuing of life. Spiritual goodness
is such that positive works become part of its process and flow.
‘Be kind’ is a motto to live by. I highly recommend it. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving
one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 ESV
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