8 Books to Cultivate Kindness in the Classroom

We celebrate National Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17th. Cultivating a community of kindness leads to a positive classroom environment. My favorite books to inspire kindness in my classroom are listed below. I hope you find a new book to share with your students and add to your classroom library.

1. The Jelly Donut Difference: Sharing Kindness with the World by Maria Dismondy

Summary:

Leah and Dexter are brother and sister. They don't always get along. In fact, there are times they can be downright mean to each other. The ooey, gooey jelly donuts in this story are a testament to the power of kindness, caring, and generosity.

2. Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller

Summary:

When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress, her classmate wants to make her feel better, wondering: What does it mean to be kind? From asking the new girl to play to standing up for someone being bullied, this moving story explores what kindness is, and how any act, big or small, can make a difference―or at least help a friend. Be Kind is an unforgettable story about how two simple words can change the world.

3 What Does It Mean to be Kind? by Rana DiOrio

Summary:

When the girl in the red hat finds the courage to be kind to the new student in class, her kindness spreads. Kind act by kind act, her whole community experiences the magical shift that happens when everyone understands―and acts on―what it means to be kind.

4. Kindness Starts with You- At School by Jacquelyn Stagg

Summary:

Follow Maddy through her day at school, where students will learn how easy it can be to spread kindness! From taking turns on the swing to including everyone in the game - this storybook shows that no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted!

5. Kindness is Cooler Mrs. Ruler by Margery Cuyler

Summary:

When a kindergarten class gets rowdy, Mrs. Ruler knows just what to do. She’s about to teach a new golden rule: KINDNESS IS COOL! Soon the entire class is doing so many good deeds that their kindness bulletin board barely fits their classroom! From clearing the table after dinner to helping the elderly, one kindergarten class is proving that kids really can make a difference. Count along with Mrs. Ruler’s class. Can all their good deeds really add up to 100 acts of kindness?

6. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig

Summary:

A simple act of kindness can transform an invisible boy into a friend. Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody in class ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party . . . until, that is, a new kid comes to class. When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.

7. Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

Summary:

Chloe and her friends won't play with the new girl, Maya. Every time Maya tries to join Chloe and her friends, they reject her. Eventually, Maya stops coming to school. When Chloe's teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the lost opportunity for friendship and thinks about how much better it could have been if she'd shown a little kindness toward Maya.

8. How Full is Your Bucket? For Kids by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer

Summary:

Felix begins to see how every interaction in a day either fills or empties his bucket. Felix then realizes that everything he says or does to other people fills or empties their buckets as well.

Follow along with Felix as he learns how easy it can be to fill the buckets of his classmates, teachers, and family members. Before the day is over, you’ll see how Felix learns to be a great bucket filler, and in the process, discovers that filling someone else’s bucket also fills his own.

Hope these books inspire you to promote kindness in your classroom!