When considering teaching and the act of kindness, it can sometimes seem extremely daunting.

The reality is that students and children love to see modelled behaviour in front of them and then replicated the actions they have seen before them. 

Research suggests that the act of kindness is something that can be introduced from four to five years of age. Prior to this, students may want to watch and see that their parents are acting with grace and courtesy. Showing empathy to people who are hurt or compassion to people who need help.

 This modelled behaviour is extremely important for students younger than four. However, beyond four years of age, a simple chart like the one attached here can help your whole family model the behaviour of being kind and reflect upon how it feels when kindness.Is all around us. 

‘So who was kind today?’ is a great question to have at the dinner table?

Our suggestion is to stick this tick chart up on the fridge or in the house. Allowing everybody around the house to follow the same pattern of behaviour, whilst attempting to achieve all of these in one calendar week 

Asking questions such as: How did it feel and what are we doing collectively as a family to make the world a better place?

These tangible activities can be removed at a later date, however, having clear set goals with descriptors and reflection is a wonderful starting point to introducing kindness, empathy, compassion, and understanding to your child and your household in general.