Crumpled Paper – Crumpled Heart Bullying Exercise for All Ages

October 8, 2019 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.

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May I give you a hug?

April 5, 2019 Stories of Kindness

Students who are loved at home

I substituted in first grade today. I taught it the first two years of my 35 year teaching career and realized I was an older kid teacher. But I go where I must these days.

There was one li’l boy who was ferocious and obstinate. I called on every strategy I knew from being a teacher-mom-of-sons, but to no avail. Finally and futilely as I sat next to him as he sobbed because I’d removed him from kicking people in the center and I blurted out what popped into my head. “Riley, may I give you a hug?” I asked. He bolted into my arms, snot and all, and held on for dear….something. read more →

Literacy Pegs: A Fun Way to Improve Vocabulary and Spelling

March 6, 2019 Children, Classroom Activities, Education, Parenting
Literacy Pegs Easy DIY Teaching Resource Ripple Kindness Project

I stumbled upon this video for a clever DIY teaching resource that can be made and used by both teachers and parents to expand vocabulary and improve spelling and literacy in children. What I really love about it is that with the use of pegs, children are not only flexing their mind muscles but also building coordination and strengthening the fine muscles in their hands that are used for writing. 

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Beautiful new shoes

March 6, 2019 Stories of Kindness

Be-someone-who-makes-everyone-feel-important---poster-by-Ripple-Kindness-Project

Today I heard a beautiful story about students showing pure kindness towards a peer with disabilities and I believe that sharing it will bring as much joy to you as it did to me.

There was a student at a high school level who was not only having a rough home life but also had autism. Despite his hardships, he came to school every day with a huge smile on his face and did his best to try to impress his teachers.

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Tips to Help You Nurture a Culture of Kindness at Your School

February 4, 2019 Children, Education, Kindness, Social and Emotional Learning
Image of a kindness tree and positive note in the playground. Tips to help you nurture a culture of kindness at your school.

We're so fortunate to have several kindness days and weeks throughout the year that help highlight the importance of teaching kindness in schools. While these days are amazing for prompting educators, kindness and giving are values that should be integrated into the culture of every school, every day!

To help you instill kindness as a natural and instinctive trait, we asked educators, who have very successfully made kindness the norm in their schools, to share their top tips.

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Tips for Starting a Kindness Club to Improve Wellbeing and Reduce Bullying at School

January 22, 2019 Children, Classroom Activities, Education, Social and Emotional Learning

It's heart-warming to see so many teachers embracing kindness and having such a big focus on character in their classroom. It's always made sense for kindness to be taught in the schools because, to me, it's the foundation on which all other values are based. Kindness is the opposite of bullying so it makes sense that it should be fostered to give students a sense of belonging and reduce anti-social behaviour.

Recently, I've been fortunate to connect with several amazing ladies who have started Kindness Clubs! Yep, there are actually clubs dedicated to this good old-fashioned value and they're doing a lot more than just teaching kids to be kind!!

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I’m a proud mother

May 29, 2018 Stories of Kindness

I coached my six-year-old daughter’s soccer team. 1st grade. I also taught at a private school, 1st-12th-grade technology and 7th-grade math… Before our game was my younger son’s. In between cheering, I graded papers. Another child’s mom came up to me and asked me how proud I was of my daughter, we only have one. It piqued my curiosity. Very proud, of course! Did she tell you what happened, she asked… Uhm, when??? read more →

Classroom Friendship Activity – Build ’em Up Hot Seat

May 14, 2018 Children, Classroom Activities, Education, Mental Health, Self Development

Cartoon picture of girl sitting in front of blackboard with compliment written on it. Build 'em up hot seat friendship activity.

This is a powerful activity to use in the classroom at any time a student is in need of some extra love and care or as a focus activity during International Day of Friendship. It’s one we’ve included in the Ripple Kindness Project for Schools primary and elementary curriculum as it can have such an incredibly positive impact on children who are being acknowledged and complimented. read more →

You, Me and Empathy – Author’s Reflections

September 21, 2017 Book Reviews, Children, Education

From the Author
     – Jayneen Sanders


Book Title: You, Me and Empathy

Illustrator: Sofia Cardoso

For Ages: 3-9

Topics: empathy, compassion, kindness, anti-bullying, friendship

Related learning areas: Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Review of book: Click here for a book reading and review


About the book

‘You, Me and Empathy’ uses verse, beautiful illustrations and a little person called Quinn to model the meaning of empathy. Throughout the story, Quinn shows an abundance of understanding, compassion and kindness towards others. Showing empathy towards others is a learned trait and one to nurture and cherish with the children in our care. read more →

Book Review – “You, Me and Empathy”

September 9, 2017 Book Reviews, Children, Education, Self Development

Book Title: You, Me and Empathy

Author: Jayneen Sanders

Illustrator: Sofia Cardoso

For Ages: 3-9

Themes: empathy, compassion, kindness, diversity, tolerance, respect, character

Related learning areas: Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), feelings awareness, writing

A word from the author: Click here to view pages, resources and hear from the author


About the book

In this gem, young readers are invited to explore their feelings and discover their ability to understand not only their own emotions but also the feelings of others. Written in first-person narrative with every-day examples of situations that might cause uncomfortable feelings like worry, anger, sadness, or fright, this text with reflection questions sprinkled throughout is sure to spark and ignite some dynamic conversations about empathy, compassion and kindness.  read more →

No higher compliment

August 22, 2017 Stories of Kindness

I received many sweet and wonderful notes from my students. I still do on FB, even though I’m retired. read more →

A life changing operation

August 22, 2017 Stories of Kindness

My 9-year-old found out about a little girl who needs to go to America to have a life-changing operation. My little girl asked the head teacher at school if she could have a stand at the school fair to sell loom bands. The head flat out refused so I went to the school and basically told the head I was disappointed that my 9-year-old can show more compassion and empathy towards a stranger then the school can! (The poor little girl’s brother attends the school). read more →