Random Acts of Kindness
Apparently it is Random Acts of Kindness Week. Who knew?
But now seems like an excellent time to teach your children about Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) and the concept of Pay it Forward. I just gave a successful class on this very subject at my children’s Montessori School and here is what I suggest:
- Make sure everyone understands what the words “random” and “act of kindness” mean.
- Read the book Because Brian Hugged His Mother
by David L. Rice (illustrated by Kathryn Dyble Thompson). An excellent introduction to the concept of “Pay it Forward” in a story that children can relate to (NOTE: I have LOVED this book for a long time. If you want, please read my review). - Suggest some easy things kids can do to make a positive difference in someone’s day. Here are a few:
- Smile at someone :-)
- Hold a door open for someone
- Do a daily chore normally performed by a sibling
- Do a household chore without being asked: feed dog, do the dirty dishes you see in sink, etc.
- Leave your change in the soda machine for someone else to find
- Shovel your neighbors’ steps
- Plant a seed
- Have the kids brainstorm some more easy ideas.
- Let them give it a try. Give them one week to complete one RAK and report back on what they did and the outcome (how it felt, consequences to them if any, etc.).
HELPFUL LINKS:
Random Acts of Kindness Foundation
Kid Activities - Acts of Kindness
HelpOthers.org - Kindness Ideas
[Image thanks to Kid Activities!]
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Themocracy
Ooh, I love this idea! My children have seen me perform RAKs but they are old enough now to do this as well. Hmm, this sounds like a nice afternoon discussion.
CelticMommy´s last blog post ..These rainy days
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Mom Unplugged Reply:
February 16th, 2011 at 6:33 pm
Let me know how it goes!
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You have inspired me. We did a RAK this week and I blogged about it. Thanks!
Teresa Clark´s last blog post ..Wordless Wednesday - Goat Hugs
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Mom Unplugged Reply:
February 21st, 2011 at 9:14 am
What a nice RAK! I am sure you made their day at the library. Thanks for helping spread the word…and the kindness!
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Fantastic web site — so glad I found it.
Rachel´s last blog post ..Anyone can write a blog
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Mom Unplugged Reply:
February 21st, 2011 at 9:08 am
Thanks Rachel! (I needed a nice comment like that today…)
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Love your ideas. Here’s another: I developed this app with my kids - it Random Acts of Kindness for Kids. Just a thought!
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aok4kids-acts-kindness-for/id438346104?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2
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Hello! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us so I came to look it over. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
marge´s last blog post ..whirligigs
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