School Leaders and Administration Whole School
World Kindness Day, celebrated on November 13, is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the power of compassion in action. When students and teachers take time to notice, name, and share kindness, it strengthens relationships and reinforces the social and emotional skills that help every classroom thrive.
Here are ten simple activities to celebrate World Kindness Day that can also keep the spirit of kindness going all year long.
Have students sit in a circle and take turns offering each other kind, specific compliments that focus on effort, helpfulness, or care rather than appearance or possessions. For example, “I appreciate how you helped me with my science project,” or “Thank you for including me in your group.” This activity helps students practice giving and receiving positive feedback and reinforces a sense of belonging.
Pair up with another class to share a read-aloud that models kindness or cooperation. After reading, discuss how the characters demonstrated care and how those same actions might look in your own school. This simple partnership encourages cross-grade connections and gives students the chance to learn from each other. The Adventures of the Center City Kids is a skill-focused series designed to help students understand others’ feelings, practice empathy, and make caring choices in their everyday interactions, making it a great option for reading aloud this World Kindness Day.
Invite students to write thank-you notes to the often-unsung heroes who help your school run smoothly, such as cafeteria staff, custodians, bus drivers, crossing guards, paraprofessionals, and front office staff. A simple “thank you for all you do” can make someone’s day and remind students that everyone contributes to a caring school community.
Turn a hallway, classroom wall, or bulletin board into a kindness gallery. Have students and staff post notes beginning with “I’m grateful for …” or “I appreciate …” and watch the display grow throughout the week. This visual celebration of gratitude can brighten the school environment and inspire others to join in.
Set aside a few minutes each day for students to pause and reflect on what they appreciate. Encourage them to jot down, draw, or share something that made them smile, someone who helped them, or a moment they felt proud of. Regular gratitude journaling helps students notice the positives in their day, build self-awareness, and strengthen their sense of calm and connection. You might use a simple notebook, a shared class journal, or digital journaling prompts to get started. These Mindfulness Gratitude Journals for teachers, K–2 students, 3–5 students, and 6–8 students are also a great tool.
Morning Meeting offers a perfect opportunity to highlight kindness. During the sharing component, invite students to name a kind act they noticed or experienced that week. Using reinforcing language such as, “I noticed you helped a classmate clean up,” or “You showed care when you shared supplies,” reminds students that even small gestures can make a big difference.
Invite students and staff to celebrate the many cultures, traditions, and experiences that make your school community unique by creating a collective culture quilt. Each person designs a square that represents something or someone they’re grateful for, using colors, symbols, words, or images that reflect what matters most to them. When all the squares are joined together, they form a vibrant, unified quilt that highlights both individuality and connection. (Read more about the K–4 and 5–8 versions of this activity.)
Set a class or schoolwide kindness goal, such as 100 acts of kindness in one week. Each time someone notices a kind act, record it on a paper chain or add a sticky note to a bulletin board. As the chain or board grows, so does the visible reminder of how kindness connects everyone.
Have students design and decorate kindness coupons that can be given out to classmates or staff. Coupons might say things like “One free compliment,” “Help with a classroom job,” or “A friendly note.” This creative twist encourages students to think about ways to offer help and appreciation in tangible, fun ways.
End the day with a brief reflection or journaling moment:
Reflection helps students connect their actions to their impact, reinforcing the idea that kindness spreads and that everyone plays a part in building a caring community.
World Kindness Day is just one day, but its lessons can last all year. When schools intentionally model, teach, and celebrate kindness, they build communities grounded in respect, empathy, and joy.