Caring Concentration

1. Have students read and discuss stories about showing kindness, such as "Kindness Rocks" by Sonica Ellis, illustrations by Fx and Color Studio or "Inspire Kindness" by Lily Lopez. Brainstorm a list of feelings and possible reactions, such as "I'm hungry"/"Let's share my snack" or "I'm scared"/I'll hold your hand." Come up with at least 10 pairs of feelings and reactions.
2. Ask students to cut out as many pairs of cards as they'll need to create a game of "Caring Concentration." Use heavy paper or card stock. On one of the cards in the pair write and illustrate a feeling, and on the other write and illustrate the possible response. Have them decorate the backs of the cards in ways that do not indicate what is on the front. Then ask them to design a Caring Card box by covering a recycled box with decorated paper that names the game.
3. To play the game, place the cards face down in neat rows. Have players take turns flipping over cards, looking to match the feeling with an appropriate response card. If they find a response card that works well with the feeling, the player keeps both. If they don't align, the player turns them back over and tries to remember where they are for future turns. Students can swap their Caring Card games with other teams to extend the fun and learning.

SEL: Social Awareness: Empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and contexts.

SEL: Social Awareness: Develop compassion for others, understand broader historical and social norms for behavior in different settings.

SEL: Relationship Skills: Provide leadership and seek or offer help when needed.

VA: Intentionally take advantage of the qualities and characteristics of art media, techniques, and processes to enhance communication of their experiences and ideas.

Celebrate kindness in the classroom. Ask students to point out random acts of kindness that they see their classmates doing, then create "caring cards" that describe the acts. They can create thank you notes and present them to classmates as appreciation for the acts performed.

Encourage students to create "kindness rocks." They can collect rocks and stones, paint them with inspiring messages, and leave them around the school grounds or other neighborhood locations.