Be Kind Book Companion | Types of Kindness Activities and SEL Morning Meetings

Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller delves into the exploration of three distinct forms of kindness – giving, helping and attention. Through this narrative, students learn the profound impact of acts of kindness, whether it involves inviting a new person to play or taking a stand against bullying.

This primary focus on this book companion is on fostering Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) through the theme of kindness and the three types of kindness (giving, helping, attention).

In my classroom, I typically kick off each Monday by sharing a story to introduce our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) theme. Subsequently, we center our morning meetings around that theme for the remainder of the week. If you wish to adopt a similar approach with this book, we have included discussion prompts for morning meetings and activities that can be seamlessly integrated throughout the week.

Alternatively, you also have the option to utilize this book as a standalone unit. While this unit emphasizes SEL connections, it also encompasses reading and writing connections.

This unit delves into types kindness, story elements, summarizing, and creative writing. And naturally, you may consider concluding the unit with a grape juice treat as a tangible reminder to spread kindness.

FOCUS: types of kindness, key details, retelling, story elements, opinion writing, morning meeting SEL discussions

Included in this unit:

• Notes to the Teacher
• Lesson Plans Overview
• Morning Meeting Weekly Guide and Three Types of Kindness Activity (Giving, Helping, Attention)
• Activity #1 – Be Kind Read Aloud Link and Question Guide
• Activity #2 – Retelling Story Walk and Story Elements Map
• Activity #3 – Kindness Flipbook focusing on Key Details
• Activity #4 – Grape Juice Writing and Craft
• Follow-Up Meeting Guide
• Kind vs. Unkind Sort
• Kindness Writing and Flower Craft
• Kindness Grape Juice Snack