Teaching Kindness in the Classroom
Teaching Kindness in the Classroom and schools is becoming more and more of our daily conversations among parents, children and educators. The 2020 children’s unicorn book, Unicorn Jazz Eye See You: Choosing Kindness stems from author, Lisa Caprelli’s personal stories while drawing from other children who have had issues of bullying as a child.
There is always the opportunity and a way to stop, think and choose kind words and actions over impulses that can be hurtful. “It is important to lead by example in our homes as parents, teachers, educators and leaders,” says children’s book author, Lisa Caprelli. “This is why my next book Unicorn Jazz Eye See You: Choosing Kindness was such an important story to create along with my illustrator, Davey Villalobos from my hometown of El Paso, Texas.”
“WHEN WE SEEK TO DISCOVER THE BEST IN OTHERS, WE SOMEHOW BRING OUT THE BEST IN OURSELVES.” —William Arthur Ward
Caprelli grew up poor, very shy and introverted and was often made fun of for wearing glasses, being called four eyes and more hurtful names. “I did not know how to speak up, so I just learned how to ‘take it’ and express myself through journaling, being smart enough to feel confident through getting good grades and learning that the teachers who praised me was enough to help me overcome the names I was called. However, as I grew up, learned better communication through reading, writing and the education my Grandma encouraged me to get, the ugly girl I felt I was blossomed into the person I am today. When I speak to audiences of different sizes, I share the struggles I had so that some children who may feel the same might relate to.”
I feel it is so important to encourage a culture of kindness to connect with people in your environment, be it, home, school, clubs, leaders, mentors, teachers and others.
Kindness is shown to cultivate empathy, harmony and understanding between two or more individuals, which can lead to deeper and meaningful relationships.
“As relationships form, trust develops, which allows a culture of learning to blossom where all individuals feel genuinely valued — for who they are and what they contribute as a unique individual. When teachers use strategies to reduce stress and build a positive emotional environment, students gain emotional resilience and learn more efficiently and at higher levels of cognition. Brain-imaging studies support this relationship,” says neuroscientist and educator, Dr. Judy Willis about teaching kindness in the classroom.
What others say about Choosing Kindness:
“Pointing out a person’s strength is so important. They often don’t know it themselves.” – Author Jana Broecker
“I like to sing, dance, give compliments, randomly and I love to see others smile.” -Mandy Leigh, TwoGirlsandaReadingCorner
“It is so important for people to know that they are powerful and free to choose their behavior. And that being kind is the best choice.” -Ribit-Ribi Studio
“Being kind is beneficial to both the giver and receiver.” –Jessia Oliva Sinatra
“Making others happy is one of the best ways to have a great day yourself. It can brighten the world around you.” –Valuebuds
Get involved with Kindness Acts:
Celebrate Kindness All year – Send greeting or kindness cards. Invite children to perform Random Acts of Kindness (RAKs) for people. The list of ways to promote kindness during this week is endless. Throw kindness around like love – it’s free!
Create FRIENDSHIP AMBASSADORS in your organization, school, or household! We have done that with Unicorn Jazz Friendship Ambassadors as seen in our website and the list is growing!
