Acts of kindness, large and small, spontaneous and planned, were a special focus for Mount Madonna School (MMS) lower school students in May. Dubbed “May We Be Kind,” the project was envisioned by second grade teacher Prema Gammons as a way to spread goodwill and show support and love for others. The project was incorporated into the lessons plans for preschool through grade five students.
During the first week of May, students were encouraged to help around their house and be kind at home. For week two, the emphasis was placed on being kind to a loved one outside of the student’s home, in the form of writing a letter. Next, the practice was extended to expressing kindness to essential community workers, including making gifts, leaving notes or putting up gratitude signs in windows or in front yards. For the final week, students were encouraged to be kind to the Earth, by picking up trash, planting a tree or other plant, or taking an action to help sustain the environment.
“Nurturing empathy and compassion for others is an essential part of children’s development,” said Gammons. “In asking students to help their families – by making a meal or doing a chore they don’t usually do – or remembering a relative or friend who lives alone or just might appreciate hearing from another person, may seem ‘small,’ and yet can be hugely impactful acts of kindness.
“So many people in our communities are still working away from their homes, performing essential jobs such as hospital and other medical workers, postal carriers, grocery store clerks and more. In asking a child to take time to recognize and share their gratitude for this service, it can help to quell the divide and bring people together.”
Students throughout the elementary school responded with sensitivity and enthusiasm to this project. Examples of their May We Be Kind acts efforts included first graders leaving appreciations such as colorfully painted rocks with a positive message and letters for moms on Mother’s Day sharing some of the things they appreciate about them.
First grader Jules Moutafian left a note and bouquet of lilies from the family’s yard for their mail carrier. “It made me feel good and happy because she works hard,” said Jules.
First grader Cala Watson and third grade sibling Kahdin, shared an array of kindnesses throughout the month.
Cala’s kind acts included creating two gratitude mandalas for teacher Cassia Laffin and MMS Librarian Gail McCredie. With Laffin’s mandala Cala wrote “This is for Cassia because she is kind, happy and appreciative of others like a blooming flower.” She thanked McCredie for video reading of “the rock book.”
Cala also “discovered” her grandma’s favorite dessert and made her homemade brownies with chocolate frosting and delivered them. “I felt good when I delivered the brownies,” shared Cala. “It was nice to see grandma smiling and happy.”
Kahdin made and mailed a letter to his grandma. “It filled my heart with happiness,” he said. “I loved that she liked it.”
As an act of sibling kindness, the children made clay objects for each other – a black pug for Cala and for Kahdin, a small sloth. Kahdin, meanwhile, also resourced a flip mirror from the trash and added pictures of the family’s two dogs for his sister.
“Interestingly our children felt too shy to prepare things for strangers, so instead they focused on family for their acts of kindness,” shared mom Rebecca Kershnar. “We are working on comfort with kindness to strangers.”
During this period of remote learning, McCredie, unable to meet with students to share stories in person, has shared recorded videos of herself reading different books for students.
“I’m currently reading books in honor of Asian and Pacific History Month for first through fourth grades. I’ve read about Ramayana, Gandhi, and others. I’m reading “The War that Saved My Life” by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley to fifth grade, about a girl with a ‘club foot’ who is horribly mistreated by her mother and finds hope, help, friendship, and strength while living away from London during the Nazi bombings. It gives a wonderful perspective on being *other bodied* and finding the strength to rise above that while still accepting help.”
Gammons said she was inspired to initiate this project by hearing stories of people all over the world helping others and working to make connections during this time of social isolation.
“Many of the people showing this kind, helpful spirit were children,” said Gammons. “I knew my second graders would be willing to take this task on, which included such activities as showing support to essential workers or reaching out to a distant family member. I shared the idea with other teachers in the lower school and I think it speaks to our work at MMS in the realm of positive character development.”
Second graders enjoyed extending their kindness to others. Some of these acts of kindness were writing letters to far-away relatives who lived alone. Student Marc Monclus planted blueberry bushes in a garden and noted “It helps the earth by giving us more oxygen.” Amelie Powers wrote a letter of thank you to her postal carrier for working during this time that was sent to her local post office. Gian Casucci thanked his mom who is an essential worker. “I vacuumed the carpet to help my mom,” said Gian. “She is a large animal doctor. Her clients thank her too.”
Third grade students took these activities on with no hesitation. Among their many acts of kindness, Timothy Rogers worked in the garden to help the Earth; Felix Alvarado picked up trash and wrote a letter to his mail carrier.
Leyla Klosinski wrote a letter of appreciation to her teacher, and helped out both of her parents, doing a cleaning chore for her mom and bringing items to her dad, who was injured and needed to rest.
“Fourth graders had a blast participating in this project,” shared teacher Nick Cabassa. “We followed Prema’s guidelines and I had the kids write journal entries on Google Docs. They produced some really cool pieces and helped to spread a lot of joy and appreciation. I loved this project and will definitely incorporate it into the curriculum in the future. Cheers to Prema for coming up with such a great concept!”
“I saw and heard so many acts of kindness each week to show their love to families at home, communities close and far, and to our planet,” commented third grade teacher Kristin Webb. “It was so wonderful to see how we could all give a little love to someone else during this time.”
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Nestled among the redwoods on 375 acres, Mount Madonna School (MMS) is a community of learners dedicated to creative, intellectual, and ethical growth. MMS supports its students in becoming caring, self-aware, discerning and articulate individuals; and believe a fulfilling life includes personal accomplishments, meaningful relationships and service to society. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville. Founded in 1979.