Kindness is not a new topic in our learning spaces. We talk about being kind in one form or another every day. And Team Awesome knows that kindness isn't just for school; it is something we should do everywhere, with everyone, always. They know that hands can be used to hurt others but it is much more difficult for children to understand that words can be used as weapons and can cause damage which isn't visible like a bruise.
We read Kevin Henkes’ book, Chrysanthemum, about a young mouse who loves her name until some of her classmates start to make fun of it. In the end she learns that her name is perfect. While reading the book aloud, the children took turns crumpling up a large paper heart each time a character in the book said something hurtful about Chrysanthemum’s name. After the book Team Awesome tried to smooth out the crinkled heart while saying something kind. Although the heart was less damaged, the wrinkles did not disappear. It was a very visual representation of the impact unkind words can have on others. We discussed the best way to smooth the wrinkles we have caused others is to continue to speak & act with kindness but that it takes time and effort.
Before you speak, Think and be smart. It’s hard to fix A wrinkled heart!
We read Kevin Henkes’ book, Chrysanthemum, about a young mouse who loves her name until some of her classmates start to make fun of it. In the end she learns that her name is perfect. While reading the book aloud, the children took turns crumpling up a large paper heart each time a character in the book said something hurtful about Chrysanthemum’s name. After the book Team Awesome tried to smooth out the crinkled heart while saying something kind. Although the heart was less damaged, the wrinkles did not disappear. It was a very visual representation of the impact unkind words can have on others. We discussed the best way to smooth the wrinkles we have caused others is to continue to speak & act with kindness but that it takes time and effort.
Before you speak, Think and be smart. It’s hard to fix A wrinkled heart!
