Words can move us to tears or anger. They can also move us to action. Words are powerful.
Recently, I’ve been thinking about writing a story that could help kids who are going through difficult times.
Before I retired from teaching, I was always in awe of teachers who planned activities that ignited a spark of kindness in their students. One such activity was called the Kindness Chain. For one week each spring, students were encouraged to show an act of kindness for another student or watch for acts of kindness that others might show. The classroom teachers would have pre-cut slips of colored construction paper, and students would write down acts of kindness they observed or exhibited during the week. The paper slips were linked together and displayed around the grade level hallway. If the grade level connected the chain all the way around by the end of the week, they would get to celebrate with a popcorn party.
I thought this would make a fun picture book for primary students and inspire other students and teachers to do this for their school. While still teaching, I would often use a picture book to introduce a concept or begin a reading or writing activity with my students. A book about a Kindness Chain could work as a catalyst to encourage kindness in a school.
Words are powerful.
Lou and David Sears 