Being kind
What does being kind mean to you?
In the following video, TVOKids Reporter Alex shares different ways that we can be kind.
What were the examples of acts of kindness that TVOKids Reporter Alex shared?
Press Reveal to check your answer.
- send a message, text, or email to a friend, family member, or community member
- help complete different tasks at home, school, or in the community
- do something for yourself that makes you happy
Press the tabs for more examples of acts of kindness from TVO Kids!
Access the audio clips in the tabs to listen to the examples.
“I went to a senior centre and made a friend. Her name is Lucy and she's 100 years old. I help her all the time.”
Act of kindness: Selina
“One way to be kind to yourself is that you should have alone time like write in your journal or play an instrument.”
Act of kindness: Martha
“I show kindness when a girl name Ashley had a problem with her friends, so I became her partner and became friends and now we're friends but BFF."
Act of kindness: Mariam
“I take care of my cousin, Aiden, after school. I get tired but it helps my grandparent a lot.”
Act of kindness: Mason
“I helped my mom with the laundry room, and I helped her organize her dinner. She was very proud to see me do the laundry and dinner.”
Act of kindness: Thomas
Brainstorm
Think!
What does it feel like when someone is kind to you?
How might others feel when we are kind to them?
Can you think of any other examples of kind words or actions?
Share your thoughts with a partner, if possible.
Kindness counts
Being kind to ourselves and others is important because it helps everyone feel good. It also helps us connect and understand one another.
We can show kindness in many ways. Some examples might be:
- listening to others
- using kind words
- sharing positive messages
- taking turns
- helping each other when we need support
Everyone likes to feel good about themselves, proud of what they can do, and feel supported and accepted.
Let’s read!
Let’s learn more about why kindness matters by exploring a book.
Before reading
Check out the cover of the following book.
Kindness Counts
Pause and Reflect
Pause and reflect
What do you think this book is about?
Does the cover of the book remind you of another book you have read?
Can you recognize any words in the title?
Record your thoughts using a method of your choice. If possible, share with a partner.
Now, let’s read the book “Kindness Counts” by Lauri Geuzebroek. As you read, think about the following questions:
What is the problem in the book?
What could the solution be?
Kindness Counts Kindness Counts
Kindness Counts By Lauri Geuzebroek
Chipmunk and Squirrel were both in the park to collect nuts.
Chipmunk found a small pile of nuts under the trees. Squirrel was not able to find any nuts.
“How many nuts did you find Chipmunk?” asked Squirrel.
“I found 6 nuts,” answered Chipmunk. “How many did you find?”
Squirrel hung their head. “I found no nuts.”
How can Chipmunk help Squirrel?
Retell
In the following activity, retell the story by putting the images in the correct order. As you do, say out loud what is happening in each part of the story. You could also write down what is happening using words or short sentences.
Student Success
Think!
What is the problem in this story? How do you know?
How could Chipmunk show kindness to Squirrel?
Share your answers out loud. If possible, share your answers with a partner.
Reading fluency routine
Listen to the following words connected to the book “Kindness Counts” by Lauri Geuzebroek.
Word 1
Word 2
Word 3
What sound do you hear in the middle of these words?
Press Reveal to check your answer.
You hear the long ‘i’ sound.
Long I sound
Try It
You try!
Listen to the words again and try to spell each one.
Write each word in your notebook or using another method.
Word 1 Audio
Word 2 Audio
Word 3 Audio
Press Reveal to check your spelling of each word.
Word 1 – find
Word 2 – kind
Word 3 – pile
Vocabulary routine
Can you find any of the words you spelled in the book “Kindness Counts” by Lauri Geuzebroek?
- find
- kind
- pile
Use your notebook or a method of your choice to record each words meaning by creating a definition or a drawing.
Student Wellness
Let’s be kind to ourselves!
Being kind to ourselves means taking care of our body and mind. When we are feeling tired or overwhelmed, it is important to take breaks. You can try deep breaths, stretching, or drawing to help your body and mind feel better.
Showing kindness
How should the story end? Think about the following questions:
- What are some different ways Chipmunk can show kindness to Squirrel?
- How will that kindness make Squirrel feel?
- How will that kindness make Chipmunk feel?
- Why is kindness important?
Create a drawing of how you think the story should end. Then, try writing a final sentence to go with your drawing.
Complete the Kindness Counts: Ending Activity in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document.
Press the Activity button to access the Kindness Counts: Ending Activity.
Activity(Opens in a new tab)Reflection
How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel…
Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.