In times of uncertainty, small acts of kindness can uplift others and ourselves. Schools are not just places of learning—they are communities where students and educators support one another through challenges. By encouraging a culture of kindness, we can create environments where both teachers and students feel valued, connected, and empowered to make a difference. Research shows that kindness benefits mental health, strengthens relationships, and enhances learning. But beyond the science, kindness is a choice we can make daily—one that ripples through classrooms, hallways, and entire school communities.
The Science of Kindness: Why It Matters in Education
Studies show that acts of kindness trigger the release of oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin—neurotransmitters linked to happiness and stress reduction. In schools, this means that kindness can lower anxiety, improve student engagement, and enhance teacher well-being. Classrooms that intentionally promote kindness see fewer behavioral disruptions, stronger peer relationships, and a greater sense of safety and belonging. For educators, working in a culture of kindness contributes to job satisfaction, reducing stress and burnout. When kindness is prioritized, the entire school benefits!
4 Ways to Cultivate Kindness Among Educators
A culture of kindness starts with school leadership and staff. Educators who feel supported have more capacity to extend that support to students. Try the following simple ideas to cultivate kindness among teachers and staff:
- Kindness Shout-Out Board: Create a space in the teachers’ lounge or digital workspace (we love a shared Padlet (example)!) where staff can acknowledge each other’s acts of kindness.
- Secret Supporter Program: Assign staff members to anonymously support a colleague with notes of encouragement or small gestures over a set period.
- Kindness and Wellness Challenge: Create teams (we suggest mixing up the teams to build connections across the building!) and complete a BINGO board with activities that encourage kindness and wellness. Just make a copy and use our Google Slides Kindness and Wellness Challenge Template!
- Wellness Wednesdays: Dedicate time for peer appreciation, gratitude sharing, or self-care strategies to reinforce the importance of well-being. Sign up for the Be Kind Project’s weekly emails for ideas!
5 Ways to Bring Kindness Into the Classroom
Teachers set the tone for a culture of kindness in their classrooms. By embedding kindness into daily routines, educators can create a space where students feel safe, respected, and motivated to support one another. Consider these strategies:
- Kindness Chain: Each time a student performs an act of kindness, they add a paper link to a growing classroom chain, visually representing collective goodwill.
- Random Acts of Kindness Jar: Fill a jar with kindness prompts for students to complete, such as helping a classmate or writing a thank-you note. Try incorporating this routine by having students pick an activity on Monday, and then complete it by Friday. Find ideas to try here!
- Kindness Captains: Assign a rotating student role to observe and celebrate acts of kindness in the classroom.
- Literature and Writing Connections: Use books and writing prompts to explore themes of kindness, empathy, and social responsibility. Doing Good Together’s Book List offers ideas!
- Gratitude Journals: Have students reflect on daily moments of kindness they’ve given or received, reinforcing the habit of noticing and appreciating positive interactions.
Resources to Learn More
For those looking to integrate more kindness-focused activities into their schools, the following resources offer research-based strategies and practical tools:
- The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation – Free lesson plans, kindness calendars, and classroom activities.
- Greater Good Science Center – Research and strategies on social-emotional learning, empathy, and well-being.
- The Kindness Curriculum– Resources for fostering kindness, gratitude, and character development in students.
By making kindness a daily habit, educators and students can contribute to a stronger, more compassionate community—one act at a time. For more strategies and ideas, explore Teaching Channel’s course 5502: Nurturing Kindness in Classrooms, Schools, and Beyond!
About the Author
Sarah Murphy is the Evaluation Manager and a Professional Learning Specialist at Teaching Channel. She holds a B.A. in History and a Master’s in Education. Sarah began teaching in 2004 at the elementary level. She now leads Teaching Channel’s Evaluation Team, managing our wonderful team of Course Evaluators. Sarah is also a coursewriter and content creator, specializing in edtech, educator wellness, and content area teaching.
Fun fact: Sarah has camped in 18 national parks and hopes to visit all 63 someday!
