GRADES 1 TO 3

Hands on cooking activities with students provides practical experience with many essential skills.

Hey, Little Ant is a story between a boy and an ant. Phillip and Hannah Hoose’s story is about a boy and his many reasons why for squishing the ant, and an ant who makes a persuasive plea for his survival. Should the boy squish the ant or show compassion?

Children get angry, sad, frustrated, nervous, happy, or embarrassed, but they often do not have the words to talk about how they are feeling. Engaging in a collage art activity provides an opportunity for young children to label and express emotions.

Andy and the Lion by James Daugherty is a great book about a boy named Andy who creates a friendship with a wounded lion. Students can discuss why the lion was grateful to Andy and explore what gratitude feels like making meaningful personal connections.

Teaching children about honesty and trustworthiness involves more than just teaching them not to lie. The picture book, The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot by Scott Magoon demonstrates the value of telling the truth and the importance of establishing trust.

Simple acts of kindness can demonstrate humility, empathy and care for others. Considering and responding to the needs of others are central to humility. Students in this activity are encouraged to acknowledge someone else in a Log of Kindness.

Developing a sense of humour in younger years improves students’ interactions with others, perspective taking and capacity to deal with challenges. In this activity students choose a funny joke and share it with their friends, But the challenge is that the joke and the punch line are jigsaw pieces – who will find the answer?

The Kindness Curriculum encourages the inclusion of ‘mindfulness meditations’ in daily activities. Children and students can engage in the practices independently or collectively to experience the current moment, ‘be present’ and integrate that awareness into everyday life. The activities are suitable for all ages!

Based on an Indian fable, Seven Blind Mice details the perspectives of six mice as they determine what is standing by the pond. It is only when the seventh mouse explored all the parts that they were able to decide what the object was! This activity requires students to understand how presenting an issue from various vantage points adds multiple layers of meaning – understanding other perspectives.

A positive outlook is one of the most important factors to emotional well-being. A Chatterbox paper ‘fortune-teller’ can share positive statements and vibes with others contributing to positive feelings and attitudes in the classroom.

Fish Is Fish by Leo Lionni is a story of acceptance as a fish and a frog discover their differences and similarities, celebrate their friendship and appreciate their individual uniqueness. This activity provides the opportunity for students to explore, understand and appreciate their own individuality.

Trust is central to healthy relationships and young students can engage in fun active activities exploring trust. The Buddy walk requires one friend to lead the other around the playground – blindfolded.