Kindness - Games, Crafts, and Stories

Welcome to my second blog, featuring fun activities and creative crafts to accompany the books in my series, “Nana’s Heartwarming Tales.” My three books are called “Tiny Whispers,” “Little Echoes,” and “Mighty Ripples.”  When children learn the importance of kindness, they acquire a valuable life tool that helps them develop social and emotional skills, fostering trust, hope, and love.

What is Kindness and Why is it a Whisper?

When you make a get-well card for your friend who's not feeling well, the act of kindness is a whisper. Kindness is more than having good manners or polite words. Kindness is an action that builds love and trust. When you feel content to be yourself and desire to help others, whispers tug at your heart, and you will find ways to be kind.

 Enrichment Games, Crafts, and Stories that go with the story, "Meet Me in Five Minutes."   

Aimee’s "Kindness Jar"

Decorate a “Kindness Jar” with your classmates, friends, family, or church group. Each time you observe or hear someone in your group show kindness, write it on a small piece of paper and place it in the decorated ‘Kindness Jar.” When you come together again, read the notes and celebrate each person’s kind deeds. Then read a favorite book about kindness aloud.

Buddy’s" Compliment Chain" Activity

“Compliment Chains” are easy to do at home, school, at church, or on the go. It can all happen when three or more children gather around a table, sit in a circle, or are in the living room. One child starts by giving a heartfelt compliment to the person on their right.  The “Compliment Chain” continues until all participants are smiling and have been included. This is a fun activity to build awareness that acts of kindness are positive messages that can be easily shared with others.

Jed’s "Kindness Bracelets"

No matter the time of day, children have the energy to create “Kindness Bracelets.” They can use the theme colors — red, green, blue, and yellow — featured in my books, “Tiny Whispers,” “Little Echoes,” and “Mighty Ripples.” Be creative and combine string, yarn, beads, and trinkets to create unique gifts, or swap with others. Children can proudly wear their “Kindness Bracelet” to encourage themselves to be kind to others.

Cara’s "Kindness Stones"

Have you ever received a “Kindness Stone” left on your front porch as a gesture of thanks for your kindness? This little craft is an easy way for children to spread whispers of kindness at school, church, and at home. Children will enjoy painting and decorating smooth stones three to five inches long. They can use their creativity to create patterns, shapes, and images they love to draw. Once they have completed decorating their stone, give them a Sharpie to sign their name and then give it to a neighbor, friend, or extended family member. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.

Cory’s “Love A Lot” Stories

These books target the virtue of kindness. They help children understand how important they are as they share whispers of kindness with their families, friends, and neighbors.

1.    “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” by Carol McCloud

2.    “Last Stop on Market Street” by Matt de la Pena

3.    “Each Kindness” by Jacqueline Woodson

4.    “The Invisible Boy” by Trudy Ludwig

5.    “Those Shoes” by Maribeth Boelts

In summary, every act of kindness can change lives and nurture hearts. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to teach and instill kindness in the children we love. Happy Thanksgiving!

I'll be sharing "Whispers of Contentment" in my Christmas blog post next month.

Sharing love,

Nana/Vicki