Random Acts of Kindness Day, held each year on February 17, celebrates the small kindnesses that make a big difference in our everyday lives. At New Horizon Academy, we think every day is a good day to spread kindness in our schools and communities! Continue reading for a few ideas on how to encourage kindness in children, schools, and communities.

Easy Ways to Encourage Kindness

A random act of kindness can be anything that brings joy to another person. It can be as simple as complimenting a stranger, sending an encouraging text message, picking up litter, holding a door, or thanking someone who has made a difference in your life – like a childcare teacher!

Think of a few ways that you can incorporate kindness into your family’s daily routine. By focusing on small acts that you can perform every day, your child will learn that it is easy to be kind – and help them imagine a world where kindness is the norm.

Children’s Books That Teach Kindness

There are many books that reinforce the importance of kindness. Here are a few of our favorites, and ideas for discussion points you can use to reinforce the books’ themes with your child.

Kindness Is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego

This book teaches children what it means to be kind, caring, sensitive, and generous. After reading the book, talk with your child about how you can extend kindness to someone who is having a bad day.

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña

This story follows a young boy and his grandmother as they ride the bus, witnessing kindness, beauty and joy throughout their trip. Ask your child to share kindness they have seen and experienced in recent days, and make a plan to spread kindness in your community.

Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud

This book uses the concept of “filling buckets” to demonstrate how easy and rewarding it is to express kindness and love. Talk with your child about how you can fill the buckets of loved ones and strangers alike.

Make Kindness Fun!

Visit the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation website for more ideas on how to pay it forward, or download our Kindness Bingo Board to incorporate kindness into your family and home life!

Download Our Kindness Bingo Board

New Horizon Academy is a nationally recognized early learning provider with over 90 schools in Minnesota, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, and Kansas. Through play-based curriculum and high-quality daycare, New Horizon Academy schools nurture and prepare children to succeed in school and in life.

Schedule a tour to learn more about our highly trained teachers, safe and secure facilities, and commitment to providing the highest quality care. Contact a New Horizon Academy childcare center near you today!

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