Lesson 1: What is an organised act of kindness? Principle 1: Kindness Element E: Students join in organised acts of kindness

What does being ‘kind’ mean to you? In pairs, come up with a definition of ‘kindness’ Put your definition on the learning wall 2 minutes!

Why is it so important to be kind? “No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.” Aesop Why is it so important to be kind?

We should show kindness to others because… It makes people happy and can cheer them up. If we’re kind, other people are likely to be kind too – to us and to others. It makes us feel good to be kind – we will feel better about ourselves. It makes people less likely to feel depressed. Researchers often found these to be key reasons why kindness matters.

Kindness and the science of happiness Researchers found that inherited characteristics and home life only account for 50% of someone’s ability to be happy. The rest is controlled by the individual. They also discovered that those who say they are ‘very happy’ are no more sociable, beautiful or successful than the average person.

Kindness and the science of happiness Happy people had found out what made them happy and included more of it in their lives. These things didn’t always include material items – e.g. a new pair of shoes or a new phone. Material things only give happiness for a while and can even become a source of unhappiness. So – how can we make our lives happier?

One way is to be kind! kindness NOUN the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate: “she thanked them for their kindness and support"

What synonyms can you think of for the word ‘kind’? synonyms: kindliness · kind-heartedness · warm-heartedness · tender-heartedness · goodwill · affectionateness · affection · warmth · gentleness · tenderness · concern · care

Doing good does you good! Evidence shows that helping others is actually beneficial for your own mental health and wellbeing. (Mental Health Organisation) It can help reduce stress, improve your motivational wellbeing and even benefit your physical health.

Has anyone ever shown kindness to you? Share an example with your partner of a time when someone was kind to you.  Was it an organised act of kindness or more spontaneous? Did they expect anything in return? How did it make you feel? 

What is an organised act of kindness? Doing something kind for someone else – helping them out in some way. This doesn’t always need to be a big gesture – the small actions count too. ‘Organised’ means thinking and planning before you act.

Kindness is contagious! Discuss… Why might you be worried about doing something kind for someone you don’t know very well or someone who seems ‘different’ from yourself?  Why could it be harmful (hurtful / dangerous) to not ever show kindness?  What types of people do you think would benefit most organised acts of kindness?

Your challenge! Carry out at least one organised act of kindness in the next week. Make someone’s day!

What can you do? Quick task: In pairs, come up with some ideas for organised acts of kindness you could try out. What can you do?

What can you do? Some suggestions… Swap places with the person behind you in the queue Compliment someone – not just on how they look! Offer help to someone who looks like they’re struggling Sit with someone who is on their own at lunch time and then clear up for them! Give up your seat for someone on the bus Offer to do a chore at home, such as the hoovering Pick up someone’s litter and put it in the bin Send someone a card to cheer them up (even better – hand make it!) Any other ideas you’d like to try out?

Be prepared to share your kind acts with the group next week. If it wasn’t the success you thought it would be, that’s fine! Try something else instead.

Our class agreement We will take the opportunity to do simple acts of kindness. We will report what we have done and report any acts of kindness being repaid to us. We will show kindness to all types of people where possible.

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