Acts of Kindness

A learning environment rich in kindness is the foundation of what it takes to create a sense of community. The emotional climate of your learning environment will be dictated by the behaviors of the children and staff within it. In this activity, you will take time to observe the school-age learning environment for acts of kindness.

An act of kindness can be big or small. From helping clean up after an activity, to listening to a friend or sharing a toy, acts of kindness take place each day. Take time to observe the school-age learning environment and take note of acts of kindness you observe. Use the form below to describe acts of kindness that you observe in the learning environment.

1. List Kindnesses You Have Observed in Your Program:
    

Structure and Safety

In order for a school-age environment to establish a sense of community, children need to feel safe and secure. This is achieved by providing children with structure and boundaries in an environment that they feel comfortable being themselves and taking risks. Use the form below to note details observed in the learning environment that are examples of:

• Children taking risks such as trying something new or making a new friend
• Staff members making behavior expectations clear to children
• Children being encouraged to share their feelings
• Celebration of diversity
• Precautions to prevent children from physical and emotional harm