19 Activities to Build Kindness Skills for Kids

Introduction:

Kindness is an essential life skill that helps children develop empathy and compassion. It also fosters a positive environment where they can thrive emotionally, socially, and cognitively. Teaching kindness early on helps build a strong foundation for their future relationships and interactions. Here are 19 fun and engaging activities to help children develop kindness skills.

1. Kindness Jar: Create a jar where kids can add notes about acts of kindness they observe or complete. Encourage them to read the notes aloud periodically, promoting reflection and sharing kind experiences with others.

2. Compliment Tag: During this game, each child must give a compliment to another before tagging them as “it.” This encourages positive reinforcement while having fun.

3. Community Service: Encourage kids to volunteer at a local organization, such as a soup kitchen or animal shelter, teaching them the importance of giving back.

4. Kind Notes: Have children write anonymous notes filled with positive affirmations for other students, family members, or friends.

5. Role-Playing: Use role-playing to teach empathy by having kids act out situations where they need to show kindness and understanding to others.

6. Gratitude Journals: Help kids start a gratitude journal where they can write down things they’re grateful for daily, fostering an appreciation for what they have.

7. Kindness Calendar: Create a monthly calendar with different acts of kindness listed for each day. Encourage kids to complete every task in the month.

8. Pay It Forward Chain: Teach children about paying it forward by completing a random act of kindness without expecting anything in return.

9. Thank You Cards: Encourage kids to create handmade thank you cards for teachers, peers, or family members who have helped them in some way.

10. Storytime: Read books that focus on themes of kindness, empathy, and compassion together as a group or individually.

11. Acts of Kindness Bingo: Create a bingo board filled with acts of kindness tasks. When kids complete a task, they mark the square, aiming for a full row horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

12. Kindness Awards: Present awards to children who display exceptional kindness in various situations or towards their peers.

13. Sharing Circle: Teach kids the importance of listening and sharing by organizing a sharing circle where they take turns discussing their feelings and experiences related to kindness.

14. Create a Kind Classroom: Establish rules in the classroom that promote kindness and respect for one another, such as saying “please” and “thank you” and using polite language.

15. Smile Day: Encourage kids to smile at everyone they see throughout the day, spreading positivity and joy.

16. Cooking for Others: Involve children in preparing and cooking meals for others, such as elderly neighbors or friends in need.

17. Planting Trees: Teach kids about environmental stewardship by having them plant trees, demonstrating that kindness extends beyond human interactions.

18. Reverse Bucket List: Help children create a reverse bucket list of kind acts they want to do for others instead of things they want to achieve for themselves.

19. Kindness Week: Dedicate an entire week to practicing various acts of kindness both in the classroom and at home.

Conclusion:

Building kindness skills is a vital aspect of developing well-rounded individuals who care about the world around them. These 19 activities will not only help children practice kindness regularly but also instill strong values that will last a lifetime.

Don’t Miss The Best Owl Cams for Kids

Introduction:

Owls, with their captivating stares and haunting hoots, have long been a source of fascination for people of all ages. For children, these mysterious creatures can serve as an entry point into the world of wildlife and environmental exploration. With the advancement of technology, it is now possible for kids to observe these magnificent birds up close without leaving the comforts of home, thanks to owl cams! Let’s dive into some of the best owl cams specifically tailored for children that you don’t want to miss.

1. Cornell Lab Barred Owl Cam:

Located in a secluded forest in Indiana, this owl cam is operated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It showcases a pair of barred owls that are known for their distinct “Who cooks for you?” call. The live-stream is available 24/7, allowing kids to witness moments such as egg-laying, hatching, and fledgling owlets learning to fly.
URL: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/barred-owls/

2. Savannah Great Horned Owl Cam:

This live camera features a great horned owl family residing in Georgia’s coastal city, Savannah. Managed by Cornell Lab and Skidaway Audubon, this owl cam allows children to observe fascinating behaviors such as courtship displays, nest building, and the raising of owlets.

URL: https://www.landingsbirdcam.com/greathornedowl

3. OKCO Barn Owl Cam:

The OKCO Barn Owl Cam is brought to you by Oklahoma City’s WildCare Foundation and offers intimate access to a barn owl family as they raise their young. This educational livestream is perfect for kids and provides an opportunity to learn about these nocturnal hunters and their habitats.

URL: https://www.wildcareoklahoma.org/owl-cam

4. The Owl Channel:

A great resource for kids, The Owl Channel is home to multiple owl species, including the Great Horned Owl, Western Screech Owl, and the Barn Owl. This website features live video feeds as well as informative videos about owl behavior and biology.

URL: https://www.owlchannel.com/

Conclusion:

These fascinating owl cams engage children in a virtual adventure that highlights the wonders of nature. By watching these beautiful creatures in their natural habitats, kids can develop an appreciation for wildlife and its conservation. So, don’t miss these incredible owl cams that will entertain and educate your children about the mesmerizing world of owls!

14 Sweet Kindergarten Poems and Nursery Rhymes for Kids

Introduction

Kindergarten poems and nursery rhymes are delightful expressions that encourage early literacy, language development, and creativity in young children. Here is a compilation of 14 charming rhymes to brighten your child’s day and bring joy through the power of words.

1. Itsy Bitsy Spider

The itsy bitsy spider went up the waterspout;

Down came the rain, and washed the spider out;

Out came the sun, and dried up all the rain,

And the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again.

2. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,

How I wonder what you are!

Up above the world so high,

Like a diamond in the sky.

3. Humpty Dumpty

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.

All the king’s horses and all the king’s men

Couldn’t put Humpty together again.

4. Mary Had a Little Lamb

Mary had a little lamb,

Its fleece was white as snow;

And everywhere that Mary went,

The lamb was sure to go.

5. Old MacDonald Had a Farm

Old MacDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O!

And on his farm he had some chickens, E-I-E-I-O!

With a cluck-cluck here and a cluck-cluck there,

Here a cluck, there a cluck, everywhere a cluck-cluck.

Old MacDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O!

6. Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

Head, shoulders, knees and toes,

Knees and toes;

Head, shoulders, knees and toes,

Eyes and ears and mouth and nose!

7. Hickory Dickory Dock

Hickory Dickory Dock,

The mouse ran up the clock.

The clock struck one, the mouse ran down,

Hickory Dickory Dock.

8. Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Row, row, row your boat,

Gently down the stream.

Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily,

Life is but a dream.

9. Jack and Jill

Jack and Jill went up the hill

To fetch a pail of water;

Jack fell down, and broke his crown,

And Jill came tumbling after.

10. Five Little Monkeys

Five little monkeys jumping on the bed,

One fell off and bumped his head.

Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,

“No more monkeys jumping on the bed!”

11. Baa Baa Black Sheep

Baa baa black sheep, have you any wool?

Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full!

One for my master, one for my dame,

And one for the little boy who lives in the lane.

12. The Wheels on the Bus

The wheels on the bus go round and round,

Round and round, round and round.

The wheels on the bus go round and round,

All through the town.

13. Ring Around the Rosie

Ring around the rosie,

A pocket full of posies;

Ashes! Ashes!

We all fall down.

14. London Bridge

London Bridge is falling down,

Falling down, falling down;

London Bridge is falling down,

My fair lady.

Conclusion

These classic kindergarten poems and nursery rhymes are sure to foster your child’s love for language while providing endless entertainment. Enjoy sharing these sweet verses with your little one as they grow and learn through their earliest years.

Technology Activities for Pre-schoolers

1. Drawing with a computer: Kids can use a computer to create illustrations or drawings. You can even use a photo editing program to add text or other effects to the drawings.

2. Making movies: Kids can make short movies with video editing software. They can use music from online sources or create their own soundtracks.

3. Playing games: Kids can play games on a computer or a console. They can be simple games or more complicated ones.

4. Learning about the world: Kids can learn about different parts of the world by exploring online resources or looking through books.

5. Creating artwork: Kids can create artwork using a variety of art programs. They can use basic or advanced techniques.

6. Learning about science: Kids can learn about science by exploring online resources or looking through books.

7. Doing homework: Kids can do homework using a computer or a paper notebook. They can do simple or complex assignments.

8. Using technology in the classroom: Teachers can use technology to help students learn. They can use tools such as whiteboards, computer labs, and e-learning programs.

9. Having fun: Kids should enjoy using technology. If they do, they will be more likely to use it daily.

10. Becoming comfortable with technology: It is important for kids to become comfortable with technology. If they are comfortable with it, they are more likely to use it for learning and entertainment.

How to Ease Your Child’s Kindergarten Jitters

If you are feeling anxious about your child’s upcoming kindergarten term, here are a few tips to help ease your mind.

1. Make a plan.

Before your child begins kindergarten, make a list of what they need to do to feel prepared. This could include practicing their speech, practicing math and science, and taking quizzes to prepare for their new school year.

2. Let them know what to expect.

Keeping your child updated on their school schedule can help them get a little more prepared. If they know they will be meeting with their teacher on Monday mornings, they may be less anxious about the new term.

3. Give them time to relax.

If your child is having trouble calming down, it may be helpful to set a time each day for them to relax and unwind. This can include reading a story, listening to music, or taking a nap.

4. Encourage them.

If your child is struggling to relax, it may be helpful to encourage them to talk to their teacher about what is going on. This can help them release tension and feel more comfortable in their new school year.

Flexible Classrooms: The Learning Environment for Everyone

Flexible classrooms are designed to allow students of all abilities to learn together in a single space. This type of classroom is becoming more popular as educators find that it better meets the needs of students. In a traditional classroom, students are typically assigned to one of two groups: those who are “smart” and those who are “dumb.”

This type of environment can be very difficult for students who are not “smart” and can lead to frustration and a lack of confidence. In a flexible classroom, students are able to move around and learn together. This allows them to build relationships with classmates and learn more comfortably.

One of the benefits of flexible classrooms is that they can be adapted to the needs of each student. This means that students with disabilities can be accommodated, and students new to the school can be introduced to the class gradually. Additionally, flexible classrooms allow for more creativity and spontaneity in the classroom. This can help to increase student engagement and learning.

Educators must remember a few things when implementing a flexible classroom. First, it is important to create a plan for how the class will be structured. Second, ensuring that all students have access to the classroom is important. Finally, ensuring that all students are comfortable with the new environment is important.

Overall, flexible classrooms are a great way to improve the learning environment for students. They allow them to be more engaged and learn in a way that is more comfortable for them.

Best Party Games to Keep Kids Entertained

There are so many fun games for kids at a Kiddie Party! Here are the best games to keep kids entertained, starting with the easiest and easiest game: Bingo!

Bingo is a great game for any Kiddie Party! Players take the role of cards, and Bingo players must match the number of cards in a row to win a prize. There are many variations of Bingo, including classic Bingo, black and white Bingo, and touch Bingo.

If the children are too young to play Bingo, another popular game is checkers. Players take the role of pieces that must move to the next square to protect their king and are then able to win points by captures of other pieces. There are many variations of checkers, including simple checkers, multiplayer checkers, and increased difficulty levels.

There are also many games for children that are unrelated to Bingo. These games can include different types of cars, balls, and other toy objects. The children can play these games until they are tired or until they have won a prize.

No Kiddie Party is complete without some food! Here are some great ideas for food games for children:

-Pin the pie: Players take the role of cooks and must pin the ingredients to the pie crust so the pie can be baked.

-Candy corn: Players must collect as many pieces of candy as possible to win a prize.

-Taco party: Players take on the role of taco chefs and must make the best tacos possible.

-Fruitcake: Players must eat as many pieces of fruitcake as possible to win a prize.

Candy corn: Players must collect as many pieces of candy as possible to win a prize.

-Clothing optional: Players can play any game they want, including a game of tag, Race to the finish, or a popular game such as truth or dare.

Many games can be played at a Kiddie Party, so parents are sure to find the perfect game for their little ones. With so many great games, parents can ensure their Kiddie Party is a blast for all their children!

The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 7: How Digital Age Teachers Can Win Over Parents

Education is a collaborative process, as it takes many stakeholders working in unison to help students succeed academically. One of the most integral parts of this collaborative team is parents, as teachers know all so well. So, if you are a teacher struggling to increase parental engagement, how do you fix this issue? In this episode, we will discuss 7 ways that digital age teachers win over parents.