#TLAP is a weekly chat for educators who embrace author, keynote speaker, and moderator David Burgess' approach of teaching like a pirate. Burgess is author of Teach Like A PIRATE: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator and co-author of P is for PIRATE: Inspirational ABC’s for Educators.
Welcome everyone! So excited to lead tonight's #TLAP chat about kindness!
Introduce yourself, your role, your location, and include a gif that shows how kindness makes you feel! #passionforkindness
I *LOVE* that color! My entire bedroom has that color in it - our curtains, the euro pillows, the little decorative pillows that end up in the closet 9 times out of 10, the comforter, the accent pieces... it's all that same teal(ish) color! Love it! #tlap#PassionforKindness
Hello to the #tlap crew. @burgessdave and I are so excited to have @tamaraletter author of #PassionforKindness host tonight. Amazing book written by an even more amazing person. Thank you all for joining the conversation.
Good evening! Brandon from Mechancisville, VA (same district as THE Tamara Letter!). Excited to learn and swap ideas with you all tonight. Kindness got me like #TLAP
Hi #TLAP! I’m Christine, MS science, tech & innovation specialist from Seattle and co-founder of https://t.co/UScY5k4RtL , a 3D feedback tool. Kindness makes me feel
Robert from Los Angeles jumping over from an exciting #LearnLAP chat. Join me in two weeks for more talk about the power of kindness and teaching the #BenefitMindset. 💙 #tlap
Goo evening #tlap, I’m Michael Miller, an AP from MN! Excited to be here tonight, not sure I can make it the whole time, but excited to spend some time learning from @tamaraletter tonight! #tlap
Welcome everyone! So excited to lead tonight's #TLAP chat about kindness!
Introduce yourself, your role, your location, and include a gif that shows how kindness makes you feel! #passionforkindness
Hey #TLAP!! Glad you are here to talk #kindness with @tamaraletter tonight! I’m Dave from San Diego... about to take off and lose WiFi for a bit but hope to be back! Enjoyed doing two programs in #mymisd today in McKinney, TX. #PassionForKindness
Hi, Tara from Kansas
edu, coach, author of Be REAL, & @dbc_inc director of marketing and communications! I heart all things EDU! #tlap
Kindness makes me feel like sunlight shining through the darkness. It makes me feel warm and loved. ❤️#passionforkindness
Hey everyone! I'm Isabelle from Orange County CA. Currently an undergrad student working to get my credential. Kindness makes me feel like ....
https://t.co/Z8H7cheHG7#tlap
Hey #tlap!! Annick, grade 1 French immersion teacher from Winnipeg, Manitoba, 🇨🇦! So excited to have @tamaraletter hosting tonight... her new book is incredible!! 💜💜 #tlap#PassionforKindness
Joining on a Monday to help celebrate the amazingness of Tamara and the kindness renaissance happening since the release of her Fantabulosity!! Fav GIF that makes me smile #tlap
Hi, I'm Kate, 4th grade teacher from Buffalo Grove, IL. This is my first Twitter Chat and I'm excited to discuss kindness because it make me feel...connected! #TLAP#passionforkindness@tamaraletter
Hi everyone! I’m Teresa, a special education teacher from NJ. So excited to join the #tlap chat tonight and talk about kindness.
Kindness makes me feel...
Hi #TLAP! Marisa Thompson, HS ELA & University of San Diego Professional Development, Carlsbad CA. I blog about what works in my classroom at https://t.co/CoLG0lTVSk and so enjoy sharing resources and celebrating fellow educators as co-host of #PLNedchat! #UnlimitedTeacher
I am a middle school Social Studies and AVID teacher in Maryland at an AVID National Demo School. Kindness centers me and calms the craziness around me! #tlap
Eeeee!! So exciting! Welcome, Kate! This #tlap crew is nothing short of amazing... and tonight with @tamaraletter and #PassionforKindness... sure to be amazing and inspiring!! 💕
In reply to
@kcmgd31, @tamaraletter, @tamaraletter
Hello, Josh Stock, 6th grade ELA teacher from Olathe, KS. Honestly it depends. If I'm doing something kind for someone else it makes me happy. If someone else does something kind for me I never know how to respond. #tlap
Hi Tamara! I wouldn’t miss it! You are an amazing ray of sunshine, my friend! My copy of #PassionforKindness arrives tomorrow and I can’t wait!!! #tlap
Hi! Tisha Tech Integration Specialist and author of #MLmagical! Soooooo flippin' excited that #PassionForKindness has been released to the world! Can't wait to chat tonight with my amazing friend @tamaraletter & the #tlap fam!
A1: My ITRT team made me a basket of kindness rocks to celebrate my book release! Their thoughtfulness in such a personalized gift was incredible! I've also been blessed by SO many others posting pics of A Passion for Kindness! WOW! Pure joy! #tlap#passionforkindness
#tlap#passionforkindness My room is decorated with posters made from my pictures and phrases! Plenty more where that came from. Looking forward to the chat tonight. #AlwaysBelieve
A1: On Valentines Day, a little Kindergartner came in with his little Valentine and lollipop for me. The smile on his face as he gave it to me made it amazing. I called his parents right away to tell them what a kind and great kid he was #tlap
A1 on Valentine’s Day I had a 6th grade student bring me a handmade card thanking me for being a cool principal of the best school in the world. Made my day for sure #TLAP
A1 - T I had been frustrated with for seemingly dismissing the burden of asking me to permanently reschedule my class to a period that put me at 5hrs in a row, put chocolate and turkey jerky in my box with a thank you note. Totally turned my day around. #TLAP#passionforkindness
A1: After a 3-night trip to Atlanta with other district leaders, our Asst. Supt personally called my wife to thank her for her sacrifice by allowing me to attend. He knew she was home alone with our 7 and 4 year old. Blew us away! #TLAP
A1. A teacher took time and wrote a personal “thank you” or words of encouragement to me (I felt very moved as I write handwritten notes to staff frequently). #tlap
A1
The cheer team that I coach made me a giant poster for my birthday and gave it to me at a basketball game. It helped make that day so much better. #tlap
A1 This happened to me today. I went to school to organize some things. One of my teammates was there & gave me a cute little bag that says, “my classroom is my happy place.” #tlap
A1: When one of my friends left a special message for me on the windshield of my car at the end of the day. Totally made my day! #tlap#passionforkindness
Being told I am appreciated and am doing a good job. Just a statement saying it. Such a small simple act, but absolutely makes my heart soar and means so much! #TLAP#passionforkindness
A1: Had a S search through her lunchbox to give me some of her food when I mentioned I forgot my lunch. I told her I was okay, but really appreciated the gesture. MS Ss are pretty awesome! #tlap
A1 A former student, from 25 years ago, sent me the kindest, most heartfelt msg via fb thanking me for what I did for him in 2nd grade. 💛❤️#passionforkindness#tlap
A1- for me, the best acts of kindness comes from encouraging words from someone. For me, nothing beats some written words to fill the soul! Keeps me motivated and focused. #tlap#passionforkindness
A1 A teacher at my school who I hardly know stopped me to tell me that she shares some of my students and that they always talk about how they love my class and learn so much. Made. My. Day. #tlap
A1: For me it's the little things that mean the most, someone asking how I'm doing or if they can help, or the random person in front of me in the drive thru coffee line who pays for my coffee. #passionforkindness#tlap
A1: One time, when I had a very bad concussion, my coaches and teammates made sure that I had everything I needed and kept checking in on me when I was at the hospital as well as back home. It made me feel very loved and helped show me that I had made an impact on them. #TLAP
A1: when several people helped me out when my car battery died- people helped quickly and without being asked- they wanted to help me find a solution in a time of need and it was very much appreciated! #TLAP
A1: I volunteered at a non-profit for maltreated children and one of the 5 year-olds looked up to me and told me I was special even though he barely knew me and had been through so much himself #tlap
A1: For my birthday one of my third grade teachers bought me my favorite book “Harold and the Purple Crayon” and had all of his students sign it. So precious. #tlap
A1: When I tore my ACL the first time, I felt sad all the time because I was unable to play soccer with my team. My team ended up making me cards and bought chocolate for me to make me feel better. Loved being on a team full of kindness. #TLAP
A1: Last week I had a HS student give me a bag of stuff for myself and the rest of my team because we are “always running around doing so much” that she wanted to give us a little something. It was perfect! #tlap
A1: Valentine’s Day was incredibly busy this year and with hockey and swimming in the evening, I wasn’t going to get to see my husband at all. He surprised me at work in the afternoon with a Starbucks 💕 #tlap#PassionforKindness
A1: had a S who went to Mexico in Feb; asked me what he could bring back; I said "nothing, just have fun". He was insistent. So I said "bring back sun&sand." Came back& gave me small bottle of sand& said, "couldn't bring the sun but here is sand. #tlap
A1. 1st grade student was doing a calming exercise. He has had a lot of emotional outbursts this year and he smiled bc he said “I think of Mr. Borelli bche always helps me calm down.” His classroom teachers couldn’t/wouldn’t connect #TLAP
A1: One of my colleagues had a bag of Reese’s cups (my favorite candy) in my teacher mailbox. It made my day and started my Monday off with a smile. #tlap
A1 It's always the little things...a sweet note or hug from a student, or encouraging words from a colleague at just the right moment #tlap#passionforkindness
A1: I started a Donors Choose projects to raise money for my classroom. I had 6 donors, met my goals and my Ss ended up with some awesome colored pencils, markers, and Legos. #tlap
A1: I received a thank you card from my boss at work letting me know how much she appreciated my hard work! Totally unexpected and thoughtful surprise :) #tlap#passionforkindness
A1: When interviewing @CorkranMSAACPS I was able to bring my, then 1yearold, to the interview. They had snacks and activities ready for him. I knew I had to work there and my heart has been warmed by the staff there ever day since ❤️ my school #tlap
A1: I try to hashtag everything with #proudprincipal (because I am so very proud of how hard my staff & Ss work). At the end of last school year a few of my staff members had a wooden box made with that hashtag. It was one of the most thoughtful gifts I’ve ever received. #TLAP
A1: The most recent kindness still making my heart soar is getting @tamaraletter's book in the mail today & seeing pgs 138-9 with my name in it! Who knew that challenging my 4ths to spread kindness could go to this level! So kind! #fieldkindness#TLAP#passionforkindness
My copy arrives tomorrow, too! I might have to record the moment I open it - the wait is excrutiating!! I am so excited to get the book in my hands!! #tlap#passionforkindness
A1: The AMAZING @mradamwelcome blew my mind with the act of #Kindness that he showed towards my Ss in supporting our “Forever Books” project!! Each month, I get to put new books in the hands of my Ss to help them develop a love of reading! #PassionforKindness#tlap
A1: On the toll road on Christmas Eve in FL and I had NO CASH. I was panicked. When I got to the booth, the person waved me on because the car ahead of me paid my toll. I was floored. #passionforkindness#tlap
A1: the best is also when my former Gr. 8s come back & visit & said how much they miss me b/c I cared about them. They also told my current 8s that they should listen to me b/c I know what I am talking about lol :) #tlap
#tlap#passionforkindness I came into work today and someone cleaned my class pets fish tank and put the valentines carnation I got from coworkers in a vase for me ❤️
On Friday, one of my dearest PLN pals texted me the sweetest, most uplifting message! It came at just the right time. So authentic. So kind. So meaningful. It left my heart full and my eyes leaking. #tlap@JCasaTodd 🤗❤️
A1: The biggest gift I have received from one of my my co-workers is her time, love and support, especially when I needed someone to talk to. Just knowing that she was there for me made my heart soar! #tlap#passionforkindness
A1 I am teaching in a new building this year. This Fall I lost both of my grandparents and was really struggling. A new sweet friend came to see me with a bag of treats and a kind note. She just wanted me to know she was thinking about me! #tlap
A1. On Valentine's Day, One of our S, came in passing out Valentine's. He was upset because his box was empty and he wanted to give me one. I told him Happy Valentine's Day! He was so sweet!#tlap
#tlap This card a parent wrote is perhaps the most powerful testimony of my goals as a teacher. When you <3 the kids the parents will KNOW of your passion. 28 years of teaching and I love what I do. This letter closes out my upcoming book. #AlwaysBeleive#passionforkindness
A1: My youngest daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in Aug & was upset about Halloween in Oct. The church gave her trinkets & diabetic friendly snacks at our trunk or treat. It was so kind & she felt like a superstar bc her treats had her name on them! #tlap
A1- #Tlap#passionforkindness One of my amazing students gave me a wonderful letter the other day explaining why I was her favorite teacher. Totally blew me away! Needed those kind words.
A1 After I left for the summer, a student left me a handmade gift and a long letter. She noticed and thanked me for things I never expected my students to catch. She’s a gem. #tlap
I just returned from maternity leave (very sad) and my AP told me he was glad to have me back and that they "need me". Made my heart soar! Meant more than any gift #tlap
A1: we talk to new Ts about marigolds and walnuts in schools. We give them two packets of marigolds (one to keep and one to give to someone who has been a marigold to them) one new T gave me a packet and said I was her marigold! #tlap#passionforkindness
Hi! I'm alana caires, an undergrad education major at chapman university
A1: Just today I found out that my mom and sister are coming to visit so they can see the production of vagina monologues that i'm in/directing
#tlap
A1: When moving on to another teaching position, my hall mate purchased a wooden sign for us both to keep in our rooms as reminders we are always there for each other even when not on the same building. I think of her often! #passionforkindness#tlap
A2: It's easy to assume that students instinctively know how to be kind. However, they have to EXPERIENCE it to show it! We must integrate kindness in all our lessons as we MODEL kindness to others! #tlap#passionforkindness
Q1: I just adore the little acts of kindness, like notes on my desk, a simple compliment, or someone offering to help ease my workload. These show that people care! #tlap#passionforkindness
A2 - If our Ss only learn two things from us I hope it’s curiosity and kindness, one skill to help ourselves grow and one skill to help others. #TLAP#passionforkindness
A1: I had a student bring me some chocolate. That made my heart happy, but the kindness his dad showed in appreciation for this picture was priceless. #tlap
A2: Kindness is a learned skill and emotion. Often our kids don't get to feel it unless they get it from us. When kids feel kindness, they learn kindness #tlap
A2. Kindness is overlooked. Kindness is seen as being nice and being nice is equated to weakness. Being kind takes incredible strength as you are not giving into base emotions. #TLAP#PassionforKindness
A1) When a friend spent the time talking to me and reassuring me about my goals after I had fallen short in an area. And it seems simple but someone with a full cart let me go ahead of him in the store. Made me so much happier! #tlap
A1: a handwritten thank you note from a teacher, expressing her gratitude! Love when ppl take the time to write a note to someone! #tlap#passionforkindness
A2: needs to be taught to ensure they develop habits of mind (empathy, open mindedness); one way is to integrate in teaching& learning through big ideas and Qs that develop awareness of others, their stories, & challenges so they can become social change agents. #tlap
A2: We should teach kindness to our students because not everyone has a kind role model in their life. There is so much negativity thrown around in the world, hopefully teaching kindness can help combat it #tlap#passionforkindness
A2: Because Kindness is proactive. There is a big difference between being nice and being kind. Competencies of kindness include empathy, active listening, and grit/resiliency. #tlap#passionforkindness
A2: I would teach kindness to students because it is amazing how a little will go. I want to show them by example of how being treated with kindness is and I hope to pass it along to them. #TLAP
Love that, Melissa! I love that you specifically share the message with new teachers - helps them become part of your kindness culture at school, too! What a thrill to receive a packet in return! #tlap#passionforkindness
A1: I got this from a preschool student with special needs who just got adopted...he was spreading the love everywhere he could! #tlap#PassionforKindness
A2: Children learn what they live, we must model kindness and empathy so they learn that everyone has value and should be treated with a warm heart. #TLAP
A2: kindness spreads love, happiness, understanding and a feeling like there are ppl around you that you can count on. Teaching kindness teaches kids that they can have a big impact on everyone around them through even the littlest of words or actions #tlap
A2: Kindness spreads but we act as role models and students will mimic our behavior. As educators we have a responsibility to be positive role models to our students. Spread the kindness and love. #TLAP
Q2: Kindness is an amazing quality to have. Being able to have this strength will create a positive atmosphere in my classroom. I believe real-life lessons are just as important as curriculum based lessons. This could also help control bullying in schools. #TLAP
A2: starts w/ building relationships with one another - Ss should get to know each other - you can't have #Bloom w/o #Maslow - Maslow before Bloom! #tlap
A1: I love bow ties and one of my paras made bowties for all of my students and had them all sing Christmas carols when I came into the room right before winter break. She also made me some custom bow ties. #tlap
A1: A neighbor brought my homebound 90 year old grandma her groceries this week without anyone asking. She bought all of grandma’s favorite things! #tlap#passionforkindness
A2: Kindness teaches empathy, love, leadership skills, and just makes the world a much better, softer place to live. There's so much hatred and we can only battle hatred with love and kindness. #tlap#passionforkindness
A2: Living a life that focuses on kindness transcends all subjects and tests- why wouldn't we want to focus on explicitly teaching kindness? The more you teach and share kindness, the more it becomes part of life- natural and important! #tlap#passionforkindness
A2: Kindness and expressing gratitude are essential to self care and a healthy well-being. It is part of my Family Dynamics curriculum to incorporate gratitude and philanthropy. #passionforkindness#tlap
Yes! I love how you pinpoint grit/resiliency. Some don't realize just how TOUGH it is to be kind sometimes! Great reminders! Happy to see you in #tlap tonight! #CharacterStrong#passionforkindness
#tlap A2 You don't teach kindness your ROLE MODEL it! #kindness should be one word your Ss describe you with at the end of the year. If you kids describe who you are with these words you have taught them lessons that go way beyond the academic curriculum.
Unfortunately, not all our kiddos are surrounded by kindness, so they need to learn what kindness really is. Imagine the world (imagine even just a day) without kindness. This is why we must teach it. #TLAP#passionforkindness
A2 We have to teach kindness to our Ss to create a positive culture in our class & our school. This also builds relationships and supports cultural responsiveness. #tlap
Q2: We teach any lesson in order to promote success. If our students can learn kindness, they will succeed at being great human beings that actually impact the world around them. #tlap
Q1: I just adore the little acts of kindness, like notes on my desk, a simple compliment, or someone offering to help ease my workload. These show that people care! #tlap#passionforkindness
A2- Kindness is going to be what changes our world! It will also ultimately add value to their lives. If we can teach them to go against the norm and to find ways to positively serve/encourage others, they will start a chain reaction! #tlap#compoundeffect#passionforkindness
A2) students need to see what it is and what it is not. They also need to see examples. School is a great place to practice it. It is important that we teach these values to make sure everyone has the opportunity To learn them. #tlap
A2 Kindness spreads joy and is contagious. It creates a better learning environment and builds sense of community. It's they key to making the world a better place! #tlap
A2: It's easy to assume that students instinctively know how to be kind. However, they have to EXPERIENCE it to show it! We must integrate kindness in all our lessons as we MODEL kindness to others! #tlap#passionforkindness
A2 Kindness is free it allows for people to feel welcomed and a part of the group and makes collaboration and difficult conversations much easier to have with people. #TLAP
Stacey 3rd grade teacher from Illinois. A2: we should never assume kids already know. By talking about it, praising, modeling it, living it and talking through what to do next times we can ensure kids will see, feel and hopefully come to live kindness #PassionforKindness#tlap
A1) You know, the best gift I got was from a middle-aged student - maybe 5th or th grade? Summer school, gifted student from an underserved population. He gave me a trinket from his desk at home. He had clearly wrapped it himself. It was a beautiful gift. #tlap
A2: we should teach kindness because we cant assume they know it or understand it. Plus, kindness is essential to building relationships which is fundamental to reaching their brain.
#TLAP
A2: Our Ss are the future & they have the power to make the world a better place!! By intentionally instilling a #passionforkindness in their 💙, the ripple effects of their good deeds are endless!! #tlap
#TLAP Q2. We should teach our kids kindness because we really don't know what could be happening in other people's lives. Plus we should all show more kindness.
A1: My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. My friend Megan didn't advise or tell me it's gonna be ok. She stood with me, held my gaze, and wept. She made it okay for me to hurt in that moment - gave up her comfort to be with me in my pain <3 #tlap#passionforkindness
A2. So many skills kids will need for anything in their future that cannot be taught in a book - Kindness is at the top. We must model this daily in our work with others. Our attitude and behaviors are the difference. #tlap
In the digital age it's easy to be disconnected from other people's feelings. Teaching students the importance of kindness will make them better online communicators. #tlap#passionforkindness
A1: A couple of colleagues noticed that I was having a bad day. They ended up sending flowers anonymously with a card that said “You make a difference every day.” #tlap
A2: We must model and teach kindness to our children. These children will feel the love in their own hearts and want to pass the kindness on. My former third graders loved going on kindness missions. #kindnesscreateskindness#tlap
A3: kindness is at the heart of everything. It is a huge part of essential life skills. If you can’t be kind, compassionate, empathetic, you won’t go far. There can never be too much kindness in the world #tlap#PassionForKindness
A2: Ts assume high schoolers know how to be kind; however some have not experienced true kindness. Ts need show our Ss how to be kind and allow them to experience kindness. A little act of kindness can go a long way! #tlap
A2: Kindness helps us feel good, and when we feel good we can do more good! Teaching kindness is a great way to promote optimism and happiness. A fave quote is "We rise by lifting others." #passionforkindness#tlap
A2 Kindness matters because when we add empathy, inclusion, and altruism to learning, suddenly kids feel like they belong. Kindness is at the heart of teaching the #BenefitMindset. #tlap
A2: teaching kindness can help create a positive and safe learning environment, create a greater sense of belonging for everyone and can help with engagement. #tlap
A2
Kindness is contagious
Kindness lightens up the darkest of days
Kindness can change the trajectory of a life 💕... plus it simply feels good to show & receive
#tlap
A2: kindness is at the heart of everything. It is a huge part of essential life skills. If you can’t be kind, compassionate, empathetic, you won’t go far. There can never be too much kindness in the world #tlap#PassionForKindness
A2: I think our kids do have kindness in them. We are often quick to say they don’t learn it so we much teach it; I disagree. We need to teach it because of the unkind things that they are exposed to; we need to help them keep that kindness. Maybe learn a little ourselves! #tlap
A2: We should teach kindness and as teachers be role models of this. School can become a friendly place where students can see what healthy, compassionate relationships look like. #goldenrule#tlap#passionforkindness
A2: Part -1 Kindness makes the world go around. Kindness helps build positive relationships which leads to happiness. Kindness benefits the giver & the receiver #tlap#passionforkindness
A2: Kindness is good medicine for an unhappy and harsh world. By teaching kindness, we are making investments into the future with hopes for a better tomorrow. #passionforkindness#tlap
A2: teaching skills like literacy and math are extremely important, but if we aren't teaching students to be kind, then we are not educating "the whole child' or preparing them for life outside the classroom
#tlap
A2: We have to teach our students how to be good humans, not just how to read! So many of them lack good role models, so this charge has become more important. We must teach them to be kind by modeling what that looks like everywhere we go! #tlap#passionforkindness
A1: A few weeks ago, a student wrote me a letter about the love and welcoming she felt in my classroom. She told me that she had never felt welcome or clever before and only wanted to make me proud... I'm not crying! You're crying! #tlap
Hey #tlap! My name is Keisha. I’m an instructional coach in Iowa. I’m so excited about tonight’s topic and even more excited about picking up @tamaraletter’s book!
Q2: We should teach Kindness because, beneath the lovely concept "being kind," there is an entire required skillset! In order to practice Kindness well, we need the social-emotional skill of empathy and the resilience to show up and love unconditionally. #tlap#passionforkindness
Karen here from the Gold Coast 🇦🇺 saying hi from our school oval where I have playground duty right now. Looking forward to chiming in later after school. #passionforkindness#tlap
A2- This should be part of our larger mission. To build an infectious and positive school culture. You cannot do this without having students cultivate a “family” atmosphere, where everyone feels honored and loved! And it is our responsibility to establish this! #tlap
A2: We should teach Kindness because, beneath the lovely concept "being kind," there is an entire required skillset! In order to practice Kindness well, we need the social-emotional skill of empathy and the resilience to show up and love unconditionally. #tlap#passionforkindness
A2 Kindness encourages happiness! Teaching our students how to live happy lives is really the goal. You can have an abundance of things, but without happiness, the things don't have any meaning! #tlap#passionforKindness
A2- We should explicitly teach kindness because it is a crucial aspect of our humanity, and all children deserve to experience kindness and be taught how to show it to others. #tlap
I would also suggest asking your own children about how they showed kindness each day, not simply how their day was. This will eventually promote a culture of kindness. #tlap
Karen here from the Gold Coast 🇦🇺 saying hi from our school oval where I have playground duty right now. Looking forward to chiming in later after school. #passionforkindness#tlap
A2: Our world is not yet lacking intelligence. It is, however, lacking kindness. Kindness is what feeds the hungry and changes societies. We want to breed world changers! #tlap
A2: Without kindness life isn't worth living. Kindness keeps mankind going. And unfortunately kindness is a skill that often needs to be taught and encouraged. This is why I think #Compassion should make the 5th C in #21stlearning skills. #tlap
A2: Kindness is everything. We never know where that one smile is going to go. We never know whose day we will change or whose life we will save. We should always be kind and never accept unkindness. #tlap#passionforkindness
That is a very heartfelt gift. I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I am happy to hear that you have someone so close to you that they could truly "be" with you in the moment. #tlap
A3: Time and required instructional content will always be a challenge to overcome. However, anything worth teaching becomes a priority! We use "no break" time and rainy recess days to cultivate kindness with our students. #tlap#passionforkindness
A2: Oh my, why wouldn't we? We are teaching our future. Kindness is a ripple effect. I always teach as to treat others well whether they reciprocate or not. It makes them complete &better humans. #tlap
A1: I love when my daughter or my students see that I'm not having a good day & try to cheer me up or gives me that unexpected hug #Conversechat#passionforkindness#tlap
A3
One challenge that I have seen, during my observation hours, is students are not fully engaged in learning about it, because they believe they already know everything about kindness. #tlap
A3 - T'ing kindness takes time and is inherently subjective. We have to take the time to get past first appearances, give Ss the benefit of the doubt, & recognize that not all Ss come from the same place in terms of acting kindly or recognizing kindness #TLAP#passionforkindness
A2: Every student wants to BE kind, but not every student knows what Kindness LOOKS like in action. For many students, they don't have a role model of Kindness at home. We get to show them, teach them, and give them consistent opportunities to practice! #tlap#passionforkindness
A3: The challenges are that often, kids don't see the advantages to kindness. They see people in power who are not kind and see people who have things they don't have who are not kind and think, "Why be kind?" We have to show them the opposite. Kindness begets kindness #tlap
A1: My amazing secretary could tell I was having a rough week and she went out her way to write me a card reminding me to always keep smiling and spreading positivity. #tlap#passionforkindness#mademyweek#refocusedmywhy
I would also suggest asking your own children about how they showed kindness each day, not simply how their day was. This will eventually promote a culture of kindness. #tlap
Q3: I think one of the biggest challenges of teaching kindness in the classroom is their home life. As much as you try and teach students to be kind, it won't work because parents aren't on board with this. Some kids at home don't get the treatment or attention needed. #TLAP
#tlap#passionforkindness I will soon become a published author. This book is a VERY inspirational read about my life and career of inspiring Ss AND communities to #AlwaysBelieve Probably about 6 weeks away. VERY EXCITING NOW for me.
In reply to
@ChristineBemis2, @tikaee, @tamaraletter
A3 challenges include that some students don’t have a solid foundation of kindness, we also must overcome stereotypes and learned judgements that students have experienced before reaching us #TLAP
A1: The biggest act of kindness that made my heart soar came at a very sad time...at 21 weeks, I lost twins. After delivering them, nurses swaddled them & gave them to me to hold. Forever grateful I was able to see the beautiful faces of my two little angels & say goodbye. #tlap
A3: things tend to move quickly in the classroom so it’s easy to skip over moments where kindness can be taught or just to leave it out of the day or focus on problems instead of teaching solutions. Teaching kindness needs to be an intentional action #TLAP
A3 there shouldn’t be, but I am guessing there are?
*pressure to teach curriculum, not enough time
*feeling some might view it as hokey
*intentionally finding moments or even lessons
*wanting to go beyond the room, but no funding or time #TLAP
A3: In the preschool classroom that I am in now, we keep reminding the students about being kind to others and reading books to show them. It's hard to keep it very interesting and changing over time when introducing ways to be kind to their friends, it also gets redundant. #TLAP
How to fit it in the already jammed packed day of learning. Although, so many opportunities to teach it can be built in throughout the day, that may only take a couple of minutes. Those couple of minutes are worth it! #TLAP#passionforkindness
A3: Time. The lingering idea of some that kindness (& all character ed) should be taught in the home & is the parent's responsibility. "It's not tested"... Um, how about it's tested in LIFE?! Oh gah, don't get me started. HA! #tlap
A3: Changing the narrative from "this is another thing on our plate" to "Kindness, Character, and Relationship-Building IS THE PLATE!" #tlap#passionforkindness
A3: Kindness can be interpreted differently depending on the individual and their history. It may also be hard to convince some parents that it worth classroom time #tlap
A2: Oh how our world needs kindness. I can't think of anything more important than teaching our Ss how to bring joy into the lives of others. #tlap#kindness
A3: I think ss don’t see the importance of kindness. It’s up to us to demonstrate kindness through actions/modeling and help Ss see the bigger picture. #tlap
A3: One of the challenges is finding the time with all of the required content to fit in activities to promote kindness; however I weave kindness activities into our activity periods and into cultural lessons. #tlap
A3: A challenge might be showing older students that kindness is still something to celebrate, appreciate & practice. But they will get the message if we model & celebrate this in our classes every day! #tlap#choosekind
A3: Working with at risk high school students means many of them are guarded and have a hard time trusting so breaking down those barriers is hard work. #tlap#PassionforKindness
A3: kindness looks different to everyone, and it takes longer to teach to some than others. you may have to help students work to unlearn behaviors and thoughts they had not considered unkind before.
#tlap
A3: Teaching kindness can be challenging when members of the class or group are not comfortable with feeling vulnerable. Kindess is a choice and it takes courage to practice it. #passionforkindness#tlap
Very true, Jove. Many of our students have stories that would break your heart. We need to wrap them in kindness so they can learn how it feels inside! #tlap#passionforkindness
A3. It may not be part of Ss current reality when they leave school for the day, placing them in a sort of tug-of-war of emotions and experiences between the home and classroom #tlap
A3. It’s all about having boundaries and expectations. Kindness is not lowering expectations. Kindness is honesty even when it hurts. Kids will push back bc adults being kind is sometimes a new thing. That’s when the T has to double down on kindness #tlap#PassionForKindness
A3: Making it part of the daily routine...being mindful to celebrate it and acknowledge it when it happens...crafting real-world opportunities for students to embrace it and practice it! #tlap
A3: You want kindness to be natural, to be from the heart, not artificial. Promoting kindness and building it into a culture requires cultivating it and allowing it to prosper, which takes more time. #tlap
A3: Challenges are Ss who push back for various reasons, colleagues and parents who might not see/understand the value initially, keeping it relevant & real- not a broken record...all helped through constant modeling, personal passion, & consistency! #tlap#passionforkindness
A2: Part -2 Kindness leads to empathy, trust, compassion and understanding each other's perspectives. This helps build a positive classroom and school culture and boosts productivity. #tlap#passionforkindness
A3: Taking the time to be intentional about teaching it... it is worth the investment of time but requires a shift in mindset- it's not, "one more thing" it is, "the thing" that matters most #tlap
Q2: I believe kindness is a disposition and that dispositions can’t be taught but rather need to be modeled. I model kindness everyday so that my students feel noticed and loved. #tlap
A3
I don’t see any challenges in modeling, teaching kindness ... integral part of all the teaching/learning in #room44pride ~ without kindness, all else seems mute
#tlap
Agreed, Lance. There shouldn't be challenges in teaching kindness, but acknowledging the walls before us give us strength to climb over them! #tlap#passionforkindness
A2: Our kids are good at heart but can sometimes be desensitized to others feelings. Teaching them kindness opens dialogue for deeper conversations and allows them see how their actions influence others. #tlap#passionforkindness
A3: one challenging thing about teaching kindness is when students don’t know how to respond to the activity, so they either react in a silly/sarcastic/uncomfortable way. But that can’t stop us — we need to expose them to acts of kindness until it’s their “normal” #TLAP
A3: One of the biggest challenges of teaching kindness for most teachers is probably making it fit into the curriculum, but my staff leads community building and restorative circles everyday, so it fits naturally into conversations that are already happening. #tlap
A2: Darkness flees from the light.
There are so many bad things that happen in this world, but the only way to change it is to battle negativity w/ kindness. Though we may not be the sole people to teach character, reinforcing kindness should be a mission of all people. #tlap
A3) I wish we could spend more time on kindness and less time worrying about testing and grades. Also society with social media is hard to teach kindness when Ss see unkind people go viral #tlap
A3. There is a lot on our plates and little time - but we must remember that without positive relationships and kindness as the norm - learning will not reach levels of excellence. We must “do the right thing” and slow down and connect with others thru kindness. #tlap
A3: not sure there are challenges. It starts when you welcome kids into your door, celebrate them, and who they are. It's actually free to be kind..yes FREE!
#TLAP
A3 - A challenge I’ve seen is teachers not being genuine. Just saying it to say it. Students see through the BS! We have to have “real” genuin conversations, teaching our students the “WHY” behind its importance. #tlap@burgessdave@tamaraletter
A3: Children will learn to be kind by watching others be kind. Point it out! Celebrate it when it happens. Only a few seconds at a time can change the children’s world. A challenge could be the intentionality behind noticing kindness consistently. #tlap
A3. In kindness, some challenges are getting everyone to contribute to the kindness projects, and for whom they are chosen. Some Ss wanting to control entire project. #tlap
I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t even imagine. I am glad you had the opportunity to hold your precious babies. My thoughts and prayers are with you #tlap
Q3: I think the biggest challenge of teaching kindness in the classroom is that it doesn’t seem to be the way of the world in this age. The media only shows people that criticize and break the spirit of others. We have to be the change for these kids! Spread kindness! #tlap
Required curricular minutes can be a roadblock as well as understanding that each child comes with their own interpretation of what kindness may be. What is important will be taught and there is always time to be kind! #tlap#PassionForKindness
#tlap A3 Somehow I can inspire my Ss to behave through POSITIVE reinforcement and LOVE. This can be FELT in my room. It is truly my happy place. Getting some kids to respond to this can be challenging. It might take until April, but be patient and keep being POSITIVE!
A3: Often it feelslike there’s not enough time to teach the standards and/or curriculum, so kindness gets lost in the shuffle. Which can have a greater impact on the world, kindness or curriculum? #kindness#TLAP
A3 I teach HS and it takes real work to get us to open up to have real discussions. If I say, “let’s talk about kindness...” So I have to build up to those talks. #tlap
Agreed. We like to mix it up and have them brainstorm other people to share kindness with and ways they could do it! Love the work you do with our little ones! #tlap#passionforkindness
A1: A dear friend brought my husband and me a beautiful Valentine's cake. He is disabled and had a rough week. She knew we weren't going out, so she did this for us #tlap
A3: As a middle school principal we try to make Kindness “cool”... our kids earn house points to make it meaningful...time to fit it in with curriculum...always a challenge...but when it’s little RAKS...it’s def doable! #tlap
A3: Teaching kindness shouldn't be challenging because Kindness and empathy are probably the most important things that we can teach. All of the others are by products #tlap
A3: I don’t believe that there are challenges. Kindness can/should be incorporated daily in all that we do in and out of the classroom. #Kindness should be the heartbeat of the classroom culture! #PassionforKindness#tlap
Q3: I think understanding where to start and what to do. We didn’t talk about this in my teacher Ed program or when I was a kid growing up. I think that can make it challenging to get started. It feels like a significant addition to an already full plate. #tlap
A3: I think the biggest challenge is when trying to show kindness to those SS who need it the most-those who don't see kindness outside of school. Even if they don't want it, we need to show it everday. Even when they reject that kindness, we need to be relentless #tlap
Q4: Empathy and compassion create a foundation for kindness in our world. Describe a lesson where students are taught the importance of empathy and/or compassion. #tlap#passionforkindness
A3: Making the time to talk about issues to help a S see the other side, how actions played a role etc. Thinking of those first minutes after recess ended when I need to get started on number talk/math. Carving time to have discussions whole class helps. #PassionForKindness#tlap
A3. The problem of bullying is actually the challenge of kindness. Our media surrounds children with a culture of meanness—this is what they learn, over and over, about how to behave and be successful in the world. But Ts can change things. #tlap
A3: We first have to explain the “why” in regards to kindness. This is not just talked about in morning circle, but a constant conversation throughout the day. #Kindnesscreateskindness#tlap
A3: it's not that hard to fit into your curriculum; essential to design learning experiences that evoke social change, social action, and habits of mind...my blog post about bringing an awareness to global issues https://t.co/AxZyFudRwP#tlap
YES! Students need to see adults shining the light on social media, too! I often show my Gr4/5 students my Twitter feed so they can see the impact of just one positive tweet scattered out into the world! #tlap#passionforkindness
A3: with the constant pressure we feel, it’s sometimes hard to pause and do what we know is right. We need to constantly remind ourselves that kindness goes a long way, and needs to be taught. They are our future. #tlap#passionforkindness
A3: I think for most Ts, the main challenges comes down to time... there is not necessarily enough time with all that is required to really focus on soft skills like kindness. #passionforkindness#tlap
A3. When we work collaboratively and equitably with colleagues, students will notice us and will be more willing to work collaboratively and equitably with classmates. #tlap
A4: We guide our students in creating Kindness Passion Projects where they use $10 to design & implement an act of kindness, then share their experiences at our Kindness Share Fair. Take a peek here: https://t.co/KZB8a7BtG5#tlap#passionforkindness
A3: It can be hard to teach kindness esp if Ss don't see the benefits. Point out acts of kindness, ask them about a time someone did something nice for them, get them thinking about it and wanting to be kind. When people are kind the world is happier #tlap#passionforkindness
A2: We are sometimes the only people to show them kindness. We should do it to not only teach them kindness, but also to show them kindness and what it looks like. #tlap
A3: after observing middle school classrooms, I can see that teaching kindness could be a very big struggle. As they tend to be unkind to each other often. #tlap#Sp19edfb4338
A4: When I taught 5th grade we *ALWAYS* did Sadako & the Thousand Paper Cranes... never a dry eye. Every kid wanted to learn to make a crane so we did. At the end of the year, I'd gift the Ss a crane I had made them as a symbol of hope for the future. #tlap#passionforkindness
A3: I find that sometimes my own negative feelings (from personal and professional situations) keep me from modeling kindness. Gotta fight against it! #tlap
We issued a #KindnessBucketList Challenge back in November!!! Classrooms all over the 🌎 participated!! My Ss loved seeing how others chose to spread kindness! #PassionforKindness#tlap
Great insight! Just like the seeds planted in the soil, some bloom early and others bloom late - all are right on time for their environment! #tlap#passionforkindness
A4
I think that empathy is taught when students need it the most. Its not something that can be planned for it happens when were least expecting it. It happens when students are having a disagreement about something on the playground or at home. #tlap
A2: We should teach students kindness because as teachers we want them to know that kindness takes no effort at all. The smallest act can have the biggest impact even if you don't see it. Treat others as they would want to be treated ##tlap#Conversechat#passionforkindness
That is the challenge! Always looking for ways to infuse it into our classrooms...journal writing, community circle...tow of my teachers @HV6th and @msmarcelaaguila have a student job called the Kindness Catcher! #tlap
In reply to
@Brandon_Farrar, @HV6th, @msmarcelaaguila
A3: The #1 challenge in teaching kindness IMO is the sheer volume of definitions a secondary student encounters daily. Crossing into different classes can be like entering a different country. Different cultures, climates, and definitions of kindness... #TLAP#PassionForKindness
If Kindness is an essential “tool” for students to know how to use, we need to approach it as teaching students when to use the tool and *how* to use the tool. See also: Maslow’s Hammer. https://t.co/oet9Iy9CSb#TLAP#PassionForKindness
A3: We are still working on creating a whole school atmosphere of kindness. It's slowly getting there, but until we as teachers are all on the same page it's difficult for the students to be as well. #tlap#I_Believe#GrowthMindset
A3) sometimes students can confuse structure and routine with a lack of kindness. It is imperative that they understand what it is and what it is not. #TLAP
The #tlap PLN is rocking the kindness vibe tonight!
Please join me in two weeks at #LearnLAP to continue the kindness conversation and receive a FREE eBook download of my latest book about teaching the #BenefitMindset. 💙
So true! Getting parents and students on board is a challenge. (Even some teachers...) One mean or negative person can make it seem like a total fail, but I try to focus on the positive seeds I am planting! #tlap
Q4: When my Ss are learning the superlative construction in French, I have the Ss create @Flipgrid videos for each of their classmates sharing a superlative about them. Their videos are very genuine and it’s so awesome to see them lifting each other up. #tlap#PassionForKindness
A3: in the age of #socialmedia like IG, Twitter, Snapchat, both adults and kids can be cruel to one another, it saddens me we have lost civility and can't just be kind - it starts not only with modeling but critical examination of our society as whole. #tlap@tamaraletter
I think this will look different depending on the grade level + needs of the students, etc. BUT, the “how would you feel if you were in their shoes?” is one way to start a conversation/lesson in regards to empathy and compassion. #TLAP#PassionForKindness
A3: its a challenge bc of content challenges/Time, but it can be part of the school/classroom climate & modeled & expected with all interactions! Kids learn what they live/experience #tlap#passionforkindness
A3: It shouldn’t be such a challenge to fit it!!!! It should be at the forefront of every Action and Reaction! Kindness is a core principal for all goodness in the world! #tlap
A4) I love doing my bag of good feelings Lesson yearly where Ss are compassionate and write letters I one another sharing what they notice and positive thoughts towards each other. Check it out at https://t.co/MbiT48xjVa#tlap
A4. After the election I had a dream. As an inner city principal all I could think of was a unity circle. Protect our school and students. #tlaphttps://t.co/cPSMO3gpcU
A3 I teach HS and it takes real work to get us to open up to have real discussions. If I say, “let’s talk about kindness...” So I have to build up to those talks. #tlap
Thank you! I do not think I would have been able to pick up the pieces if it weren't for the kind actions of those incredible nurses.
I can't believed I just shared that information on Twitter!
Happy to say that I am a proud mom of 2 amazing boys now! #tlap
A4: Had my juniors & seniors in mythology partner with @hmarrs24’s 3rd grade last year as kindness partners. We traded @Flipgrid videos that illustrated when/how to be kind at school, did a Google Hangouts, and more! #TLAP
A3: Challenges include helping make it meaningful so students take it seriously. Creating the space for allowing students to be vulnerable is crucial. #tlap#passionforkindness
A3: Making it part of the daily routine...being mindful to celebrate it and acknowledge it when it happens...crafting real-world opportunities for students to embrace it and practice it! #tlap
A3: This isn't a terrible problem to have, but a lot of times I'll teach a kindness lesson and another teacher in the building has taught the same/similar lesson. It's tough to keep it as a priority with out teaching it to death. #tlap
A4: I saw this somewhere and tried it. One of our kids who struggles behaviorally seemed to be having a tough day. I pretended like I was having a tough day too and asked her to check on me throughout the day. She did and it improved her day as well as mine #tlap
A4: Our school is located in a low-socio economic area and poverty is a problem for most of our children. Empathy, compassion and kindness is embedded in every decision we make and our teachers go above and beyond to show kindness to our students. #TLAP
A3: Ts can sometimes struggle to see the importance of dedicating time to teach kindness or character development. Focus on testing or content takes priority in their minds. #tlap#PassionforKindness#changethemindset
A3: Teaching kindness can get confused with Ss always getting what they want. It takes balance and consistency to teach that kindness maybe what is best not what is easy. #tlap#passionforkindness
A4: "Windows & Mirrors" Ss share 3 pics of their lives & any story they want to tell about themselves- each write 2 windows= differences (looking in a window) & 2 mirrors= similarities (looking in a mirror). We do this w/ Special Books by Special Kids! #tlap#passionforkindness
A4: I’ve read the book Zero by @KathrynOtoshi and had S’s discuss what helps them feel valued and what we can help add value to others’ lives (her other books One and Two are equally amazing!!) #tlap
A4 one I was teaching in the classroom as a social studies teacher I would weave this into our lessons each day but two topics really hit home with kids when it came to empathy and compassion. Native Americans being assimilated and the holocaust #TLAP
A4: One example is when we cover the topic about bullying and do different skits with different scenarios. Another is that I like to find books that cover feelings and different ways that you may act with that feeling. #TLAP
Q4: Empathy and compassion create a foundation for kindness in our world. Describe a lesson where students are taught the importance of empathy and/or compassion. #tlap#passionforkindness
A3: Teaching kindness shouldn't be challenging because Kindness and empathy are probably the most important things that we can teach. All of the others are by products #tlap
#tlap A4 we complete a service learning opportunity usually each spring - kids research and find someone or some organization they feel for in their hearts .. their empathy and compassion for others drives the process and the results and everyone benefits ❤️ #tlap
A4. We have advisory periods for grades 5-8 and that is all about compassion and empathy. Even when we talk discipline and consequences it is framed in compassion and empathy not retribution. #tlap#PassionforKindness
Q4: Empathy and compassion create a foundation for kindness in our world. Describe a lesson where students are taught the importance of empathy and/or compassion. #tlap#passionforkindness
A3: It is challenging to talk about kindness to kids who have not experienced it in their lives outside of school. To restore their faith in relationships is challenging, but not impossible. As you say, we must not give up on them. Love can work wonders. #tlap#passionforkindness
A4. For our staff to strengthen our compassion, kindness and empathy - we brought back former students to share their experiences and professional panel of educators that shared “soft skills “ most important. #tlap
A3 Demonstrating on a larger scale how kindness makes all the difference. We did a project last year #daisiesfordaisy and even though it was as simple as making cards the students felt very connected to Daisy #tlap#passionforkindness
A4: Whenever I teach about a new group of people or time period I have students complete a sensory figure using primary sources. It is both a simple and difficult task. The ?s aren't hard but the empathy required to answer them is a skill SS need to be taught and practice. #tlap
A4. I think empathy is taught in the classroom when disagreements and unkind acts towards others arise, and we have to listen to both sides and suggest which is the kindest act to do. How would one child feel if in the others shoes? #tlap
A3 Sadly, not all staff members model Kindness toward each other. It is a challenge that is a bit embarrassing. We need to model kindness even when we don’t agree. #tlap#PassionForKindness
Q4:When I was in HS,we had guest speakers come in & speak to our school. We were able to listen to survivors of drinking & driving, students being bullied to the point of having suicidal thoughts, & so many more. This teaches our students real-life lessons. Very eye opening.#TLAP
A4: My Ss love issuing & accepting #KindnessChallenges during our #globalcollaboration with other classes. Each challenge is different and has Ss focus on showing their appreciation & spreading kindness to people in the school or community! #PassionForKindness#tlap
Q4: Empathy and compassion create a foundation for kindness in our world. Describe a lesson where students are taught the importance of empathy and/or compassion. #tlap#passionforkindness
A4: One lesson I teach that integrates compassion & empathy... to conclude our unit on self-care, Ss design & decorate our cafeteria for our special needs students' winter wonderland dance. #passionforkindness#TLAP
A4: our students just finished making kindness affirmation cards to be included in Breakfast2Go packages for students in other schools who don’t have enough to eat on the weekends. Our goal was 100 cards, they made 323! #tlap#passionforkindness
A4 - Scientific argumentation surprisingly is a great opportunity to teach empathy b/c Ss have to learn to fully understand the other persons perspective to argue well #TLAP#passionforkindness
A4: this year my Ss completed #2030goals projects - they made movies bringing awareness to problems in our world and how to meet the UN’s goals.
Later in the year Ss will learn about the reformation and choose a topic they would like to reform. #tlap
Q4: Empathy and compassion create a foundation for kindness in our world. Describe a lesson where students are taught the importance of empathy and/or compassion. #tlap#passionforkindness
A4: In college our Resident Assistant had us pass around a paper with our name on it and each person wrote 1 thing they appreciated about that person. The words touched my heart & were exactly what I needed at that time. So simple, yet so meaningful #tlap#PassionForKindness
A4: Each student writes a note to a classmate. It gets cut into a puzzle and the recipient puts it together and reads kind thoughts from a classmate. #PassionForKindness#tlap
A4: My favorite activity at @careacter is "Head Nods for Empathy." Ss, facing each other, respond non-verbally by nodding yes or no to prompts about their life. Students can see what they have in common with others in a safe way. #tlap#passionforkindnesshttps://t.co/oZ7A7jz9Pa
This year we are rooting our PBL in the UN’s #GlobalGoals. In order for Ss to solve real world problems like gender inequality & access to clean water, they have to empathize & tap into emotions (including kindness) to to devise plausible, authentic solutions. #tlap
A4 We have had great opportunities lately! My 11th grade “Positive Dogs” mentoring group went to the local elem school to lead team building and discussions on gratitude and positive leadership w/ 5th graders! My 9th/10th grade guys served lunch to the cafeteria staff! #TLAP
A4: I think justice-oriented social studies is a great way to teach empathy + compassion. To learn about other peoples, their struggles, and overcoming adversity can be very powerful. Teaching Tolerance is great too!
#tlap#passionforkindness
A4: I use “Take A Walk In My Shoes” to help every child have an opportunity to describe their “color days... black, yellow, red...” and we tie them to a pair of shoes for others to understand their journey. #tlap
A4b each week in our building each grade level participated in a character Ed lesson and during the year we have lessons designed that focus on empathy, compassion and mindfulness #TLAP
A3. The idea is to have Ss take action to show kindness in a tangible way. It's not enough to feel kindness, we have to show kindness in the things that we do. Service projects are a structured, easy way for Ss to get involved to make a difference in the community. #tlap
A3: I believe it's the student's mindset. Maybe they haven't experienced much kindness, impact of social media and their own peers. Leading by example will show them how kindness impacts a person##tlap#Conversechat#passionforkindness
A3: outside factors: social media, peer pressure, being “cool”, social dynamics; all challenges to teaching kindness. I try to build a family inside the my room where those barriers get left at the door. #tlap#passionforkindness
#tlap#passionforkindness There is a story I share every year on #ReadAcrossAmerica day about my experiences of being verbally bullied every day at school during my 5th and 6th grade years. It is very powerful. Kids applaud at the end. They KNOW I have been in their shoes.
Q4: Empathy and compassion create a foundation for kindness in our world. Describe a lesson where students are taught the importance of empathy and/or compassion. #tlap#passionforkindness
A4: I have my 8th graders go through the Declaration of Human Rights and research Human Rights defenders as an intro to out Slavery unit. It's amazing how their eyes are opened to problems they didn't know existed. #tlap
Q4: Empathy and compassion create a foundation for kindness in our world. Describe a lesson where students are taught the importance of empathy and/or compassion. #tlap#passionforkindness
A4: My mom has always loved "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein and read it to me growing up and taught me about empathy and compassion. Creating an activity based off of a book for younger students with a similar message could be a great start #tlap
A4: When I was working as a community coordinator I used to have my teen council volunteer to feed the homeless twice a month. There was always a lot of reflection afterwards and they understood anyone could fall on hard times. #tlap#PassionforKindness
A4: A video I made many years ago is another great one for talking about empathy and seeing people for their stories! It's called "Perspectacles." #tlap#passionforkindnesshttps://t.co/IYHKD5nava
Hey @tamaraletter, are you going to write a children’s book to accompany this one? You should! A lot of answers on Q3 point to Ss not seeing the impittance of kindness. CC @burgessdave#tlap
This year we are rooting our PBL in the UN’s #GlobalGoals. In order for Ss to solve real world problems like gender inequality & access to clean water, they have to empathize & tap into emotions (including kindness & compassion) to devise plausible, authentic solutions. #tlap
Q4: Empathy and compassion create a foundation for kindness in our world. Describe a lesson where students are taught the importance of empathy and/or compassion. #tlap#passionforkindness
A5: Kindness cultivators step out of their comfort zone to be the good. They realize that every act of kindness - big or small - matters! They know they can change the world! #tlap#passionforkindness#kindnesscultivator
A4 Students designed and printed vases on 3D printer and added flowers from the school garden to the vases. These were delivered to retired teachers and shut ins. Letters received from recipients meant so much to Ss. #PassionForKindness#TLAP
I interpreted this question as teaching kindness from a historical approach but I think it's super important students know that they are appreciated and can have a personal experience! Love it! #tlap#passionforkindness
A4) It is east to weave In conversations of empathy a stories you are reading in English. I also use it when I talk about journalism ethics. I can use more ideas for computer clsss. #TLAP
A5: I love the expression "throw kindness around like confetti"... confetti is difficult to clean up --- that one piece that is left behind can be a reminder of what is truly good in the world! #passionforkindness#TLAP
A4: This year we are rooting our PBL in the UN’s #GlobalGoals. In order for Ss to solve real world problems like gender inequality & access to clean water, they have to empathize & tap into emotions (including kindness & compassion) to devise plausible, authentic solutions. #tlap
A4: Most of the best empathy/compassion lessons come from books. When you get really into a character and analyze their actions and why they made the choices they did it can be truly powerful! #tlap
A5: Support students with their interests! I start small by going to their games, activities, etc. then as I get to know them better I encourage them in ways that help them become the best version of themselves.
#tlap
Jumping in on #tlap - The challenge to teaching kindness is helping students recognize an opportunity for kindness in their everyday. Asking students, “What is the kind thing to do? What difference could it make?” are a good ?s to help “teach” kindness.
ALWAYS model kindness. Be aware of students being kind and recognize/acknowledge them for it. Talk about it. Turn not so kind things you see into learning opportunities to teach it. Display posters about it. #TLAP#PassionForKindness
A5: I believe this means to either cultivate, plant, or water the seeds of kindness within the walls of your classroom. I think it's important for students to see intentional kindness modeled and encouraged. #tlap
This is great for those quiet students who don't care to talk to others in social settings (I raised one of those, so I know all about it, lol!) #tlap#passionforkindness
A5) Kindness Cultivator is someone who is kind and brings out kindness in those around them. We want to give our Ss different positive roles in our building, give them ideas to be kind and praise them when they do kind acts #tlap
If you have not read this book... it’s a MUST READ https://t.co/qcAfrPxy1B#tlap#passionforkindness Pickles is not your average elephant! Pete likes predictable days. The pair of them together will touch the hearts of your students!
A5: Kindness cultivators build people up, provide encouragement, a listening ear. They look for ways to brighter someone's day or lighten their load. #tlap
A5: It means spreading and inspiring kindness in others. We do weekly kindness challenges and pass along a kindness card each time...with 120 Ss and 30 weeks= 3,600 RAK each year and more if those cards are passed and acted upon! Check out #fieldkindness#tlap#passionforkindness
A5: This is one of my favorite parts of the book!!! *And that Maya Angelou quote is my fave!*
Kindness Cultivators not only plant seeds, but ensure that the soil is ready & watch it spread infinitely. #tlap#passionforkindness
A4 My 5th graders created #TEDTalks to solve a problem they want to solve to make the world a better place. It was amazing to watch what their peers were willing to do to support them. #tlap
Q4: Empathy and compassion create a foundation for kindness in our world. Describe a lesson where students are taught the importance of empathy and/or compassion. #tlap#passionforkindness
A5 A Kindness cultivator spreads the world they model it and help lift others up with their kindness. We must take note of this and recognize these students for their efforts. Let them know they make a difference #TLAP
A4: Q1 with my 9th graders our whole unit is on Empathy and we use TKAM as the vehicle. @studysync does a great job of generating genuine thought provoking questions!
#tlap
Q4: Empathy and compassion create a foundation for kindness in our world. Describe a lesson where students are taught the importance of empathy and/or compassion. #tlap#passionforkindness
A5 - First our classroom systems have to encourage risk-taking AND forgiveness. Then we can model and lift up examples of kindness #TLAP#passionforkindness
Q5: Show students you support than and that you are there friend!!! Encouraging students to do what they enjoy and becoming the best version of themselves. Students need us as a support system during the year. #TLAP
Q5: Repetition is the key to fluency! We must give students tangible ways to engage in Kindness with consistency. At @careacter, we do that through our CharacterDare process - practical exercises to put abstract values into meaningful action! #tlap#passionforkidnness
A4: Read book Chrysanthemum, with paper heart & when unkind/mean words are said, crinkle the paper. After reading, say kind things but the wrinkles are still there bc they never truly leave your heart untouched!#passionforkindness#tlap
A5: I think it means that we are all still growing to become the best person that we can be. I believe that it is important to show our students that it is ok to laugh if you mess up and still have a good mindset. I want to show them to move on from mistakes and have fun. #TLAP
A5: As leaders in the school, we are the models of the behavior that we desire to see repeated. Being present in conversations, smiling, encouraging others, helping the needy in school, listening, all go a long way to cultivate kindness. #tlap#passionforkindness
A5: Basically, it's anyone who sees kindness and calls it out, shares kindness, and brings kindness with them everywhere they go. People like @tamaraletter@TaraMartinEDU Always smiling, always looking for kindness in everyone #tlap
when i went through RA training, we had an activity where each person in a group was given the chance to talk about their identity, background, likes/dislikes, etc. Hearing each others stories made it easy to find connections and build trust and empathy for one another
#tlap
Q4: Empathy and compassion create a foundation for kindness in our world. Describe a lesson where students are taught the importance of empathy and/or compassion. #tlap#passionforkindness
A5. It means we model kindness and inspire others to also lead with kindness. The 2nd person is key in starting a movement. Be the champion of kids and you cultivate the positive! #tlap
A5: model it, point it out, praise it and encourage it. I think creating an environment where it is the norm and showing my Ss grace and kindness is a great place to start. #PassionForKindness#tlap
A5: One thing I added to our morning meeting time is we read notes out loud from our "praise" jar. This is often students recognizing kindness from their peers and writing it down. It's such an awesome time to reflect on the acts of kindness that often go unnoticed. #tlap
A5: Kindness cultivators don't let anything hold their kindness back! The put kindness as a core value and do anything they can to integrate it into their daily lives. We can support this mindset for our students by showing we are kindness cultivators ourselves #tlap
A4 I think #RealYouSnaps = a great way to learn similarities/differences about each other. And, it's all done via images--so that feels less threatening.
I love the way Ss respond to each other w/empathy when expressing their REALness. #tlap
👉🏼https://t.co/P9panTVN0q
A5 spreading kindness, modeling it, including others in ways to share Kindness, sending notes, offering to help, filling in for friends .., when you include others in acts of kindness and share kindness ideas you may be cultivating kindness ❤️#tlap
Being a kindness cultivator means being a role model to S’s and demonstrating what it looks like to be kind- in words and in actions. When we demonstrate a genuine interest in others (S’s, T’s and our community) they’ll have more in their buckets to then share out w/ others #tlap
A5. Kindness shouldn't be random.
Let's be intentionally nice!
Here are 10 powerful, fun, and easy ways adults and children alike can #GoBeKind. 💙
#tlaphttps://t.co/brTXtpWsWv
A5: kindness cultivators... it’s simple really! Are you spreading kindness? No act is too small! The ripple effects are endless! Be kind. To yourself. To others. And watch it spread! #tlap#passionforkindness
A5: Part 1 By modeling kindness and encouraging Ss to perform random acts of kindness like writing thank you notes to teachers, family members and friends. We did a take what you need project. #tlap#passionforkindness
A4
Friendship pins projects& Ss Read Alouds inspired by @nankr1120 - as a part of the daily celebrations/honoring the diversity in our classroom & 🌎 #multilanguagesspokenhere ❤️
#tlap
A5: To be a kindness cultivator means that whenever you go kindness follows.Negativity is not allowed in your space. You take a simple activity, such as putting ❤️s on SS lockers, & take it a step further. Others laughed at me but I spent hrs writing these messages #tlap#worthit
A5: A kindness cultivator looks for every opportunity to show love and kindness every day to those we encounter. Kindness is contagious! #PassionForKindness#TLAP
A4: At my current school, they dedicated an entire day to the custodians for the hard work that they do throughout the year. The students made cards and also designated a section of the hall of pics taken throughout the year #Conversechat#tlap#passionforkindness
A5 hmmm, they should grow and nurture kindness. It is like a muscle that gets bigger the more it gets used. Have them set a goal for kindness. Revisit and revise! Share progress. #tlap
"It's OK to laugh if you mess up an still have a good mindset." Oh my goodness, Madison, I LOVE this so much! YES! If Ss see us laughing at our mistakes, they feel more comfortable making their own! #tlap#passionforkindness
A Kindness Cultivator prepares the way and plants the seeds of kindness everywhere they go and to all that cross their path. Not just to the easiest to receive, but to those that may push back... needing it more than ever! #passionforkindness#tlap
Kindness cultivators are kind to others no matter what and encourage others to be kind through their actions. We can inspire our students to be kindness cultivators by modeling this mindset in our interactions with them and with one another. #tlap
A5: It means the law of the harvest! Cultivate the crops. We reap what we sow. Sow kindness by demonstrating and intentionally teaching it and we will reap the benefits of a more kind society! #tlap#passionforkindness
A5: Lead by example! Be nice, show them you care, don't give up on them, maintain high expectations, motivate them, and most importantly, LOVE them! SMILE! #tlap
A5. Kindness shouldn't be random.
Let's be intentionally nice!
Here are 10 powerful, fun, and easy ways adults and children alike can #GoBeKind and become kindness cultivators. 💙
#tlaphttps://t.co/8XuTRvSaFc
A5: Get to know your students as individuals and let them get to know you. Show them you care by engaging in their interests and model what it means to be kind human being. Positive vibes all the time. #tlap
#tlap#passionforkindness A5 #kindnesscultivator means that your grow kindness in your classroom. This isn't taught it is ROLE MODELED. When you maintain your classrom through POSITIVE reinforcement JOY is produced that permeates your Ss. It is magical! #BeenThereDoneThat
A5: Kindness cultivators are kind to others no matter what and encourage others to be kind through their actions. We can inspire our students to be kindness cultivators by modeling this mindset in our interactions with them and with one another. #tlap
A5: Part 2 My 4th graders wrote positive notes on stickies and placed it on charts around the school @HortonsCreekES for other students. Small acts like these help reinforce the benefits of kindness.
#tlap#passionforkindness
A5. Call it out and celebrate it. It’s not enough to call a S or T a “rockstar” Name what the S, family, or T did that was kind and broadcast it. Kindness is a reproducible act. #tlap#PassionforKindness
A6: I will leave kind messages for my coworkers and greet students each morning with a smile and a hug. I will do several RAKs in my community, too! Then I will write about it on my website https://t.co/5lWx2O3umW to share with the world! #tlap#passionforkindness
A4 To me a “kindness cultivator” is someone who focuses on doing good to all and who is always ready to serve others and spreads words and actions that build up those around her/him. We must support Ss in this mindset by our example!! #micdrop#tlap
A5: To me being a "kindness cultivator" means going out of your way to brighten a student's day, so that they may do the same for others and have it act as a chain reaction. #tlap
A2: Kindness is the catalyst for creating a culture of belonging- it’s a powering when students understand how much impact they can have #tlap#passionforkindness
A4 I think #RealYouSnaps = a great way to learn similarities/differences about each other. And, it's all done via images--so that feels less threatening.
I love the way Ss respond to each other w/empathy when expressing their REALness. #tlap
👉🏼https://t.co/P9panTVN0q
A5 - A kindness cultivator is someone who creates a kindness atmosphere. We find ways to show kindness and bring others along with us. We create a movement, ultimately changing the face of our school. Where kindness has become the norm, not a rarity. #TLAP#passionforkindness
A6
In my future classroom, I will have my students create cards to give to the support staff at the school. I will also make cards for each of my students to help celebrate this week. #tlap
A6: brainstorm some ideas beforehand - what can we do within our school? locally? nationally? and globally? Ss need to understand there is a whole world out there that might not be as fortunate as they are -what would you like to do?? #tlap#RandomActsOfKindness
A6: We didn't have school today, cancelled for tomorrow, and more weather moving in, so our week is getting shorter. A school social media kindness campaign/challenge sounds in order! Maybe a kindness bingo! #tlap#PassionforKindness
A5: A kindness cultivator is one who models and encourages kindness. We have a T at #BWBears who loves to bake and is very crafty... what's so cool is she involves her 2nd graders in passing out and spreading the love. The Ss take such pride in delivering the goodies! #tlap
A6: I hadn't thought about it, but now I must! I feel as though leaving notes and giving love are my daily things, so I need to step back and think some. Maybe I'll do something for my colleagues. ♥️😁#tlap
A6: personally- be a daily example of kindness and share positive words and actions with others. Professionally- help S’s find intentional ways to share their kindness with others through announcements/challenges/community circles/etc #TLAP
Love this post! The idea of a gift that you can give as often as you want for free AND that it makes everyone's lives, including the giver's, better... well that's a no-brainer! Awesome highlight of @tamaraletter's incredible book & #RAKDay, Captain! #PassionforKindness#tlap
In reply to
@burgessdave, @tamaraletter, @dbc_inc, @TaraMartinEDU, @burgess_shelley, @AnnickRauch, @ASMILEwithAnna, @tishrich, @JCasaTodd, @NowakRo, @lauriesmcintosh, @tamaraletter
Yes! "A culture of belonging" - isn't this what we want for all our students? Just the thought makes my heart soar! Thanks for sharing, Morgane! Happy to have you here tonight! #tlap#passionforkindness
A5: Being a Kindness Cultivator means that our kindness empowered others to be kind to someone else. Let's have discussions with our students about how they can influence those around them. #tlap
A6: I saw an idea on Twitter that my students implemented on Valentine's Day --- the gist is "you are the heart of the school bc..." and students wrote a note to a staff member which in turn has directions to pass it on. #passionforkindness#tlap#RAKweek
A6: Last week my ss wrote thank you notes to adults in the building that started with the phrase "thank you for helping make me a smart cookie!" Today I made three dozen cookies. Tomorrow we will package and pass them out. We will also complete our 2nd kindness challenge! #tlap
A6: I usually pay for the person behind me in Starbucks drive through; buy a person who is homeless a lunch, buy my Ss pizza, give a colleague a Thank You card..so much you can do..it really is the little things #tlap#RandomActsOfKindness
A3: One challenge to teaching kindness is having students understand that kindness doesn’t need to involve an expensive gift or something in return. The best acts of kindness are those small gestures. We need our Ss to experience those acts of kindness. #tlap
A6: We have sang songs during group time today in the preschool and talked about different ways you can be kind to others. We have a jar that gets filled with "kindness stones" and every act of kindness we see, we ask them to put a stone in. Once filled- dancing part. #TLAP
A6: Last year we made a video https://t.co/NmoYwuWWtx and this year our 4ths are playing games/coloring/reading at a senior care center, creating cards for cancer patients, making a flipgrid of kindness ideas to share, & doing our weekly challenge #tlap#passionforkindness
A6: I am going to give my Ss voice and choice to decide on the Random Acts of Kindness they would like to do this week! Can't wait for the week to start! #RAKWeek#tlap#passionforkindness
Challenge myself to do random acts of kindness over the next several days. (Leave a nice sticky note, buy someone a coffee and tell them they’re appreciated,etc). As well as be meaningful of taking opportunities to talk to kiddos about being kind! #TLAP#passionforkindness
A6. Kindness weeks are only a beginning.
Kindness must become the norm and a way of life.
#Passionforkindness and the #BenefitMindset both teach us how to transform lives and to lead from the heart. 💙
#tlap
A5:A cultivator plants seeds that will grow with watering. Our students need to experience kindness which helps to plant the seed which will in turn encourage them to be kind and show kindness even if it's just a thank you ##tlap#Conversechat#passionforkindness
#tlap#passionforkindness Each day as my Ss leave my room, I stand at the door, point to them and tell them #YouAreAWEsome I pat them on the back as they walk by. LOVE MY KIDS! The are the inspiration for the JOY that is produced in my life.
A6: I'm actually celebrating with my Ss next week in media, but shhhh, it's a secret. More info coming soon. It's my #DBCBookBlogs implementation of #PassionforKindness#tlap
A6: This year I got my parents involved... they are each creating a poster for their child to have hanging in the hallway this week!!!! So excited to see their faces!! Shhhh... it’s a surprise!! #PassionForKindness#tlap
I love BOTH those ideas! We are anticipating some severe weather out our way on Wednesday, so I might need to make some kindness plans, too! #tlap#passionforkindness
A6: want to have kids pick a person from scoool or not to write a kind note to. I appreciate you b/c, you mean so much to me because etc. #PassionforKindness#tlap
A6 well apparently I missed the memo. This would explain why the other elementary buildings were gearing up a kindness week...just thought they were doing it bc.
I would hope that we don’t limit it to a week. #tlap
A6: I will send a message to a family member or friend reminding them what they mean to me and the importance they hold in my lives. Even the smallest act of kindness can bring a smile and that makes all the difference #tlap#passionforkindness
A5: Throw kindness around like confetti, it spreads everywhere! Be kind to yourself & others, MODEL it, Expect it, Show it, Spread it, do for others & expect nothing in return #tlap#passionforkindness#BeTheOne
this week i'm going to write notes to my friends, coworkers, and cast so they know they are appreciated. Also, in my future class, I want to do this for my students and give them the opportunity to write notes to significant people in their lives
#tlap
A5B: When the Appreciation Station is fully stocked...but being over looked...you make a “roadblock” on the floor in front of the ice machine! #madethemlook#winningforkindness#tlap
A5 To me a “kindness cultivator” is someone who focuses on doing good to all and who is always ready to serve others and spreads words and actions that build up those around her/him. We must support Ss in this mindset by our example!! #micdrop#tlap
A6. Sadly NYC schools are off this week. But since all celebrations are made up anyway, we can move it to another week. Great ideas from tonight. Thanks for sharing! #tlap#PassionforKindness
A4: At Christmas, we talked about how wonderful it can be to spent time with family and friends, but learned that there are many people who are lonely- we brainstormed ways to cheer people up and settled on making art for a local senior’s center. #tlap#passionforkindness
A4: Focused time on writing positive notes to Ss from day 1. When I introduced how powerful their words could be, they had their own experience getting a note to think back on.They then thought of 2 people in need of a positive note & hand delivered them #tlap#passionforkindness
A6: I think an important way to celebrate the week is to shed light on the students individual kindness and recognize the ways that kindness impacts the people around us. Open a dialogue! #tlap#passionforkindness
A6- my Spanish 4 Ss will be starting a unit using The Giving Tree (El Arbil Generoso in Spanish!). Ss will study the story and complete an action project as individuals and as a whole class to show kindness to others. #tlap#passionforkindness
A5: A kindness cultivator is one who intentionally focuses on spreading kindness. They look for opportunities to uplift others & make the world a better place. By modeling kindness in all that we do, we show Ss its importance & inspire them to have a #PassionforKindness! #tlap
A6 I like to send a "thank you" email to a random colleague, friend, or PLN peep each morning. Just thank them for their awesomeness & I like to spell it out explicitly.
I, also, like to send #FridayFlowers to a random pal or PLN peep. If it's local, sometimes I pick them. #tlap
One thing I did was send a card to teachers from my alma mater👩🎓who are now in their first year of teaching. Didn’t sign my name, just encouraged them. #tlap#PassionForKindness
A6: my boys and I made muffins for our neighbours yesterday, and since those all got eaten, I made more tonight to share with dear colleagues. Joy for me. Joy for them. #tlap#passionforkindness#RAKweek
A5. It means we model kindness and inspire others to also lead with kindness. The 2nd person is key in starting a movement. Be the champion of kids and you cultivate the positive! #tlap
A5) anyone who notices it, points it out, makes a mission of it and is a passionate about finding other people who willl join in the mission to spread it #TLAP
A6: I need to get back in the habit of leaving positive post-its for colleagues. Kind words, written, definitely go a long way. Also, I want to have lunch w/our 8th Grade Drama Ss. They always invite me in to eat, but schedule doesn't always cooperate. #passionforkindness#tlap