“The Kindness Project: An Un-Competition”
sponsored by Tandy Beal and Company
Overview & Purpose
Students will immerse themselves in thinking about kindness through class discussions and self reflection in an essay, video or slide presentation. As we all know, kindness is the antidote to bullying. Looking outside of oneself, leadership skills, discussion about the “big ideas” in life and social action are foundational to “The Kindness Project: An Un-Competition”.
After the creation and sharing of individual projects, the class will have a discussion about how to make the world a kinder place. In order to take these ideas into social action, the class will choose a non-profit organization that aligns with their passions and interests. Tandy Beal and Co. will provide $50 to each participating classroom to donate to the non-profit of their choice to help spread kindness in our community.
There is magic when someone treats you with kindness.
There is even more magic when you treat another with kindness!
Process and Activities
WRITE or CREATE: After an introductory lesson, students will write their essays or create a presentation. How much support and class time dedicated to this project is at the teacher's discretion. The student materials are suggested as a way to scaffold student thinking and the writing/presenting process.
SHARING PROJECTS: Students will present projects resulting in a rich discussion about kindness as well as underscoring effective writing/presenting. A Writing Rubric and Presentation Rubric have been provided, but are not required.
CHOOSE NONPROFIT: The teacher helps guide student priorities to choose a non-profit that best reflects their interests. The class is then awarded the $50 to pay it forward.
These lists of Santa Cruz Non-profits and Monterey Non-profits in our communities are only a suggestion!
What The School Gets
Spotlight on Kindness, Empathy and Anti-bullying
Classroom relationships are strengthened as Community is formed around kindness
Class Award of $50
Suggested Materials and Prompts
Authentic Audience for student authors
Opportunity for Real World Social Action beginning with the individual student
Student Leadership in student driven discussions
Recognition for class or school
Supplemental Teacher Toolkit
IGNITE student thinking onto the topic of Kindness
Possible Kindness intro videos:
Possible Kindness introduction read alouds:
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena (K-5)
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson (1-5)
One Green Apple by Eve Bunting (1-5)
Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts (1-5)
Kindness Organizer with prompts for essay or presentation
Blank Organizer with room for notes for essay or presentation
Rubric for kindness essay
Tips for preparing Powerpoint or Slides presentation
Supplemental Student Materials
Student Flyer explaining the “Kindness Un-Competition”
Kindness Organizer with prompts for essay or presentation
Blank Organizer with place for notes for essay or presentation
Rubric for kindness essay
Tips for preparing Powerpoint or Slides presentation
Applicable ELA Learning Objectives
Plan and write a five-paragraph essay with a clear thesis and strong supporting conclusion. OR…
Plan and prepare a presentation in an organized manner using facts and relevant descriptive details to support main ideas or themes using video or visual displays.
Applicable CCSS Education Standards
“When students' writing has an authentic audience beyond the classroom teacher, they can see a direct connection between their lives and their literacy development.”
https://www.edutopia.org/article/value-of-authentic-audience-monica-burns
4th grade CCSS ELA Writing Narrative standards
4th grade CCSS ELA Speaking and Listening presentation standards
5th grade CCSS ELA Writing Narrative standards
5th grade CCSS ELA Speaking and Listening presentation standards
Applicable Social Emotional Learning Competencies
Social Emotional Learning: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) focuses on developing interpersonal skills necessary for building relationships in and outside of school. It begins with a focus on self-awareness and knowing one’s own emotional cues. Once students understand their own emotions, they can learn to recognize others’ feelings and develop empathy. In an attempt to enhance these skills, schools are realizing the need to embed social and emotional skills within the curriculum.