Inspiring Stories

The White Envelope – A Christmas Tradition of Love and Kindness

December 10, 2019 RippleKindness Inspiring Stories, Stories of Kindness

It’s unclear whether this is a true story or not, but to be honest, I don’t really care. It’s a beautiful tradition that I hope many other families adopt after they read this inspirational story. Enjoy!

“For the Man Who Hated Christmas”
by Nancy W. Gavin

Crumpled Paper – Crumpled Heart Bullying Exercise for All Ages

October 8, 2019 RippleKindness Bullying, Children, Classroom Activities, Education, Inspiring Stories, Mental Health, Parenting, Social and Emotional Learning

The crumpled paper lesson is a very powerful bullying activity which we believe was originally used by a teacher in New York to show her students the lasting impact that anti-social and cruel behaviour can have.

We love this bullying lesson but adapted it to use in conjunction with our primary and elementary school curriculum during assemblies and in the classroom. We substituted a plain piece of paper for a red heart or cut-out of a person (an activity in the curriculum for older students) to make it more relatable for younger kids.

An experimental program connecting the older and younger generation

October 1, 2019 RippleKindness Children, Education, Inspiring Stories, Mental Health

In May 2019, Australia’s first co-built educational and aged-care facility was opened in Morphett Vale, South Australia. The Montessori middle school has three classrooms to accommodate around 60 students on the grounds of Kalyra Woodcroft aged care facility in Adelaide.

When the school needed more space, the offer of sharing the grounds of the aged care home presented a wonderful opportunity to connect the young and old at another level.

The experiment is a first in Australia but is already helping students and residents overcome ageism and build genuine connections.

Teacher Creates Project so Students Can Touch Hearts

June 14, 2019 RippleKindness Classroom Activities, Education, Inspiring Stories, Stories of Kindness

Everyone can have a positive impact on someone else’s life and this teacher is showing kids just how important it can be. Continue Reading

All the good things – a true story

December 19, 2018 RippleKindness Inspiring Stories

Image of an old fashioned classroom with text on the blackboard that says all the good things.

Sister Mrosla first met Mark Eklund in her third-grade classroom at St. Mary’s School in Morris, Minnesota, in 1959, and she encountered him again in 1965 when she served as his junior high math teacher.

In April 1971, Mark was sent to Vietnam and assigned to the 585th Transportation Company in Phu Bai where he worked in a truck parts depot, and he kept in touch with his family and friends (including Sister Mrosla) through letters. In August 1971, as she was returning from a vacation, Sister Mrosla learned of Mark’s death from her parents. (Although he died in Vietnam, Mark Eklund was not killed in combat; he died in his sleep of a pulmonary and cerebral edema.) read more →

A Christmas Gift for the Homeless

November 26, 2018 RippleKindness Homelessness, Inspiring Stories, Kindness

This Christmas while you’re thinking about the gifts you’ll get for those you love, perhaps you could give one to a stranger in need.

When you’re living on the street, gifts are the last thing on your mind but as shown in this video, something that brings a great deal of joy. We hope you’re inspired to add an extra gift to your shopping list this year!

I was Almost a School Shooter

November 25, 2018 RippleKindness Bullying, Inspiring Stories, Mental Health

Aaron Stark had a painful and abusive childhood which almost ended in tragedy at his school. It was a not so extraordinary act of kindness and a strong and understanding childhood friend that changed his destructive mindset and saved his life.

After a decade of recovery and sharing his story, Aaron has been able to put the past behind him and dedicate himself to his family. He’s a man on a mission to use his very personal story of triumph to help other young people feeling lost and confused walk into the light. He wants to reassure those who are suffering that there are people who care and that they’re not alone.

This video highlights the importance of seeing and helping children in pain. Please do not see those who bully, those who are quiet and introverted or those who are needy as children who are trying to push your buttons. Take some time to investigate and find out how their needs are not being met and how you can make a difference.

No Value Lost: A Lesson in Self Worth

July 25, 2017 RippleKindness Children, Education, Inspiring Stories, Self Development

This inspirational video has a wonderful message to inspire children and help them see their worth. Show this video by Meir Kay to demonstrate to your children or students that no matter what happens in life, they are worthy and valuable members of society. read more →

The Mayonnaise Jar: A Valuable Lesson for a Happier Life

July 10, 2017 RippleKindness Education, Inspiring Stories, Mindfulness - Gratitude

It’s unknown who originally told this powerful story but it has been replicated over the years and there are now quite a few versions to be found on the net. Regardless of the variations, the story shares a powerful and motivational message. We enjoyed this video by Meir Kay and hope you share it with the significant people in your life. read more →

Nails in the Fence – A Lesson About Anger

January 28, 2016 RippleKindness Inspiring Stories, Self Development

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.

The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. read more →

A Date With Mom

January 10, 2016 RippleKindness Inspiring Stories

After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, “I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.”

The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally. That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie. “What’s wrong, are you well?” she asked.

My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news. “I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you,” I responded. “Just the two of us.” She thought about it for a moment, and then said, “I would like that very much.” read more →

A Lesson in the Value of Freedom

January 4, 2016 RippleKindness Education, Inspiring Stories

In September of 2005, Martha Cothren, a social studies schoolteacher from Arkansas did something not to be forgotten. On the first day of school, with permission of the school superintendent, the principal, and the building supervisor, she took all of the desks out of the classroom. The kids came into first period, they walked in; there were no desks. They obviously looked around and said, “Where’s our desks?” read more →

Blog Categories

Stories of Kindness