KINDNESS BALL

For the month of February, my classroom lessons are focused on the topic of kindness.  I like to use this Kindness Ball as a way to make my lessons more interactive and engaging. I use this ball activity with my 4th-6th grade students. Here's how it works....

Directions:

Write description passages on ball with black sharpie. Using double sided tape, attach the kindness matters label to ball.
Have every student sit on top of their desks.
I start the process going by throwing the ball into the air and catching it. Where my right thumb lands, I read the closest statement on the ball (that way if their thumb lands on a blank spot, they know to choose the passage that is the closest) Passage Example:  Someone who is wearing stripes
I would scan the room until I found someone wearing stripes. I would give that person a compliment and throw the ball to them. Then, that person would read the passage of where their right thumb lands and give another person a compliment. Once each student has their turn, they sit back down in their chair. This makes it easy for others to see who in the class still needs a compliment. This process is completed until everyone in the class has a turn. I like to reinforce with my students the importance of giving thoughtful compliments versus saying things like "he's nice" or, "she's cool." This activity has been a hit with my students!

Click HERE to download the FREE Kindness Matters label and description statements to make your own Kindness Ball  I hope you find this activity useful in promoting kindness at your school!