I have been moved by the thoughtfulness seen by our WARM Place families and community members and hope you all are experiencing an abundance of kindness in your life. Here are some activities you can try at home to help you focus on kindness.
My Kindness Book: Ages 3-8
Supplies: Paper, scissors, pencils, crayons, markers, and stickers.
First, click here to view and follow the instructions for the foldable booklet. Do not make any additional cuts/trim to the booklet or it will fall apart. Discuss ways to show kindness and respect to others. How would you show kindness to your family and friends? How would you show kindness to someone they know has also had a loved one die? To create your own “Kindness Book” you can draw, write, add stickers, etc. The booklet has a front and back cover and essentially 6 pages to write/draw on. Have fun with it and be creative.
Word of Encouragement: Ages 9-12
Supplies: Paper or 3×5 cards, markers.
Think about your family and write a word of encouragement for each member of your family. Simply choose one word that represents your brothers, sisters, mom, dad, or grandparents. You can also write a word you hope for them. Some possible words: love, happy, proud, kindness, hope, faith, heart, believe, helpful, caring, brave, open, honest, giving, joyful, peace, calm, friendship, family, comfort, laughter, warmth. Decorate your papers and add more writing to the back if desired. Give or send your special words to your family members.
Thank You Card: Ages 13+
Supplies: Cards, envelopes, paper, crayons, and markers.
This activity could really be for all ages. Draw or write a thank you note to someone who has shown you kindness. You may choose to write a card to someone in your family, a friend, a teacher, or a neighbor. Feel free to write more than one thank you note. You may feel the people in your life know how much you appreciate them, but you would be surprised how much your kind words can change their day for the better. Hand deliver or mail your thank you cards.
Family Dice Game: The Whole Family
Supplies: Dice or paper to write numbers down.
Take turns rolling the dice. Whatever number they roll is the question they get to answer. (If you don’t have dice each person can choose a number, or you could write numbers 1-12 on small pieces of paper and draw a number.) Continue the game until everyone has had a turn to answer at least three questions. Click here to view a printable version of the questions below.
- How have others shown you kindness?
- What is something your loved one taught you?
- How have you shown kindness to others?
- What is one of your favorite memories with your loved one?
- What three words would you use to describe your loved one?
- What ways can you be helpful to others?
- In what ways do you like others to show you kindness?
- How would you like to remember your loved one?
- What is the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
- Who shows you kindness?
- What does kindness mean to you?
- How does it feel when someone is kind to you?