A kindness movement came from trying to find a way to show students they can make a difference and giving them something they can have control of. Although the idea of a #kindnesschallenge is not new, I believe now, more than ever, we must explore, as educators, explore the potential benefits.

The news is tragic lately within the education arena. Sometimes we can feel helpless to make real changes in what is happening around us and our students can feel that way too.

I got to thinking this week – For a few years now students have gravitated toward some pretty awful social media challenges, many that promote violence and self-harm.

Students, as early as upper elementary are inseparable from their phones. Even my 3 and 5-year-olds feel the pull to be on devices.

But, what if, as educators, we flip the script?

What if we empower our students to start a kindness challenge? Show them how they can use their phones for good. Imagine if that went viral – if students everywhere jumped on the bandwagon and kindness flooded our school.

Here are some first steps in creating a kindness movement within your school or organization.

Brainstorm an idea

Whether you place a box in the hallway for students to drop ideas or brainstorm ideas in an assembly or a homeroom – your students need to be a part of the movement from the beginning. They need to know that this is theirs. And once they do, they will own it.

Your ideas could be simple like – a post-it note challenge where student and teachers leave anonymous positive notes for others without expectation of gratitude or acknowledgment. Or, your idea complex like partnering with charities or the city to make an impact beyond the school’s walls.

And, if you all get blocked – there are TONS of #kindnesschallenge ideas on the internet. You could even have student research what’s out there.

The key is for the start letting the students take the lead.

Get The Students on Board

For this to take hold as a movement it can’t be seen as an assignment.

Students need to feel empowered. They need to be given a voice.

Facilitate the discussions don’t lead them. This is a great opportunity to reflect on the power of social media and the role of students as influencers.

Allow students to brainstorm.

Pose questions like:

• How can we make this go viral?
• What hashtag should we use?
• Where should we share this?

And, then step back and let them do what they know how to do. This is their thing and once your students are on board the idea will come to life.

Build Your own Resilience Too

While you are working to empower your students and strengthen your school consider how you are treating yourself as well.

Remember, during these tragic times that the news stations have created a 24-hour cycle and they have to fill it – but that doesn’t mean you have to watch it.

Remaining glued to the news can be depleting and cause you to lose focus sometimes on what really matters. It is a good resilience strategy to allow yourself to disconnect. You don’t have to read every detail or watch each video to understand the severity and impact of what is going on in our world. So give yourself permission to spare yourself the details – it doesn’t make you any less aware or motivated, but it could lighten your load and help to brighten your day.

What a kindness Movement COULD become?

Yes, a kindness movement could bring more thoughtfulness through your classroom doors, but let’s consider all the ways it could really make an impact.

It could…

• teach students that they CAN make a difference – and let them feel less out of control.
• demonstrate the power of positivity.
• transform the culture and climate of the school.
• go viral! Spreading everywhere! And show how the students in your school know how to make a difference through positivity and kindness!
• show grownups the power and potential of the youth

Have you done a kindness challenge with your students? Will you now? Share your experiences on social media using the hashtag – #joyinteaching  Let’s start a movement!