Phrases like “Kindness is cool”, “ Random acts of kindness” and “Kindness counts” have all become popular phrases in our preschool classrooms. Studies on kindness show that there are many physical, emotional and mental health benefits when it comes to kindness. That is why, creating a culture of kindness in my classroom is a goal of mine every year.
So how does kindness change our preschoolers? Patty Grady in her article about the positive psychology of kindness, says that “kindness changes the brain by the experience of kindness. Children and adolescents do not learn kindness by only thinking about it and talking about it. Kindness is best learned by feeling it so that they can reproduce it.”
So what can we do to make sure our students are FEELING kindness so they can REPRODUCE kindness?
In this blog post, I am going to provide you with 12 cool kindness books to share with your preschoolers because reading picture books is one of the best ways to help our students think and talk about kindness, so that they may be inspired to reproduce it!
Before I jump into sharing these kindness books for preschool, I wanted to make sure you have gotten your hands on my Free Guide to Sprinkling Social Emotional Learning into your Preschool Classroom! After struggling for years to do it ALL, to fit social emotional learning (and everything else) into my day, I figured out the secret sauce to integrating it into my classroom and I want to share this guide with you! Click on the image to grab it today!
How to Teach Kindness to Preschoolers?
There are so many ways to approach teaching kindness to our preschoolers. The goal should be, instead of thinking about it as a “one and done” lesson, kindness should be taught and revisited often. It should be recognized and highlighted. It should become the cornerstone of your classroom! Develop strategies to easily integrate kindness activities into your classroom.
How to Integrate Pre K Kindness Activities?
- Notice and highlight acts of kindness you see in your classroom.
- Read and discuss books on kindness.
- Celebrate days/weeks that focus on kindness. For example: World Kindness Day, Random Acts of Kindness Day/Week, Good Deeds Day, Earth Day, Pay it Forward Day, Be Kind to Animals Week, International Day of Friendship, Make a Difference Day
- Empathy and kindness go hand in hand. Teach empathy to your students, read books on empathy and this in turn will help develop tolerance in your students.
Some kindness activities may include:
- Brainstorming Ways to Show Kindness
- Kindness Classroom Challenges
- Kindness Craft Activities
- Kindness Classroom Centers
Looking at real examples from books is another way to help your little learners to understand the concept of kindness. Kindness books for preschool are often very effective when teaching students what it means to be kind and allows us to discuss acts of kindness we see demonstrated in the books.
12 Kindness Books For Preschool
These books about kindness for preschool children are the perfect addition to any classroom. They help preschoolers learn about kindness and how to show it in many different situations.
Kindness is my Superpower By Alicia Ortego
This sweet story should be on all kindness book lists not only because it is beautifully illustrated, but for the kindness lesson it teaches. Showing students that it’s okay to make a mistake and to say I’m sorry. The main character Lucas teaches children about good manners and positive behavior at home, school, store, playground, etc.
Kindness is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler By Margery Cuyler
Mrs. Ruler will teach her Kindergarten class the golden rule: KINDNESS IS COOL! Soon the entire class is good deed after good deed, and their kindness bulletin board can barely fit in their classroom. Count all the good deeds with Mrs. Ruler’s class in this kindness picture book that will make you and your students smile from ear to ear.
The Kindness Book By Todd Parr
Todd Parr loves to teach children about differences, kindness, and families through his colorful and inclusive books. In The Kindness Book, children are taught that no matter what others choose to do, they should always choose to be kind. Helping instill empathy and kindness into our youngest learners.
Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind By Jessica Hische
A beautiful sequel to Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave, readers can follow along with the most beautifully handwritten words about wisdom and hope. Plus, the illustrations teach students all about love and caring. This book helps remind young and old people that we need to be kind to one another.
Punky Aloha By Shar Tuiasoa
Punky Aloha isn’t very brave and doesn’t like meeting new friends. But, with the help of aloha and her grandmother’s special sunglasses, Punky may be able to make new friends while running an errand for her grandmother!
Kind by Alison Green
With over 40 illustrators coming together to create this book, it teaches children the universal importance of kindness. It shows them how a simple smile or helping someone else can make the world a better place.
A Small Kindness by Stacy McAnulty
A simple act of kindness makes a difference in the world, and this simple text is the perfect way to show preschoolers how kindness can spread!
Twig by Aura Parker
Heidi is a stick bug, and she looks like a twig on a tree. When she gets to bug school, she wants to learn new friends. Will Heidi be able to overcome her worry and make new friends?
Harry the Happy Mouse by NGK, illustrated by Janelle Dimmett
Harry is a happy mouse. In this traditional story, Harry helps a frog and, as repayment, asks for him to help someone else. The reader follows the good deed as it moves from character to character, each making themselves happy in the process.
Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson
Ordinary Mary is hoping her one good deed will change the world. But she is just an ordinary girl in an ordinary school and an ordinary house. But on her way home, she finds some blueberries, and when she decides to pick them for her neighbor, it starts a chain reaction!
Have You Filled a Bucket Today by Carol McCloud
Are you a bucket filler or a bucket dipper? This book helps teach our little learners all about each other’s imaginary buckets. When we are kind, help, or compliment each other, we start to fill someone’s bucket. However, when we yell, are rude, or make someone feel sad, we are dipping into their bucket and taking from it. An easy way to help teach kindness to others!
Because Amelia Smiled by David Ezra Stein
Amelia loves to skip down the street and smile. Her smile makes her neighbor smile, and she sends her grandson cookies, that grandson then inspires a ballet troupe in England, and the good events continue throughout the world. Just a simple smile can change the world.
These are just a few picture books that help you teach your preschoolers about kindness. There are so many other books that can help you teach kindness. Some other authors that definitely need an honorable mention are:
- Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
- Pat Zietlow Miller
Reading books is one of the best ways to help your students learn kindness and how it can make the world a better place.
Songs about Kindness for Preschoolers
Now that you’ve read some fun picture books to help your preschoolers learn more about kindness. You may want to bring in some other fun activities. These fun kindness songs and videos are the perfect addition to any lesson.
Here are a few great songs and videos about kindness I have used in my classroom!
Kindness by the Juke Box Juke Box
Color Your World With Kindness
Sesame Street – Try a Little Kindness
Be Kind to Everyone
Sharing Song
My preschoolers just love dancing, singing, and just jumping to these fun songs! These songs are perfect companions to the kindness books for preschool mentioned above!
Kindness Ideas for Preschoolers
Using these kindness activities, kindness books for preschool, songs, and videos in your classroom will allow your students to dive into what kindness is, what kindness feels like and understand how to show kindness to others.
Want More Kindness Ideas for Preschoolers?
???????? Check out these blog posts below for more kindness ideas for preschoolers! ????????
???? 9 Simple but Effective Kindness Activities for Kids
???? 9 World Kindness Day Activities for your Preschool Classroom
???? Why Empathy is Important Even in the Preschool Classroom
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Sara