What Are The Benefits To Teaching Kindess In School
A study found that millions of children find it stressful going to school. The study found that children have a lot of worries about going to school which includes friendships, being bullied, and confidence in communicating with others
An important study found that 33% of U.S. elementary students reported being bullied often while at school. It also found that 20% of kindergarten students reported being bullied often.
Another report by Nemours Children’s Health found that not every child enjoys going to school. It is important that when a child goes to school they feel safe, make friends, and enjoy learning. Sadly, according to the research some children have anxiety about going to school.
The research found that around school 64% of children worry about school. 41% of Children worry about their looks, 65% about being bullied, and 47% worry about making friends. These two separate reports make it clear that more needs to be done to make school safe and enjoyable for children. One person who is trying to do that is author Katherine Cheng-Arif.
Katherine Cheng-Arif is known for helping to change lives with her writing. She manages to understand the problems that children face, and how to tackle that problem. Her new book “Courage to be Kind,” which she co-authored with Liestman Elementary students, promotes kindness, empathy, and youth empowerment through a heartfelt story.
The book which is available through Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D39KSSSQ?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_CQVRKENFXA25GXZGJ50K&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_CQVRKENFXA25GXZGJ50K&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_CQVRKENFXA25GXZGJ50K&skipTwisterOG=2) has become an important tool to teach people about forgiveness, empathy, resilience, and the life-changing magic of forgiveness.
Since being launched, “Courage to be Kind” has gained huge exposure and received positive reviews from children and their parents. It was even given a glowing recommendation by Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher who attended the book launch.
To celebrate the success of “Courage to be Kind”, we have decided to look at the benefits of Teaching Kindness in School
Positive School Environment
Creating a school environment that prioritizes kindness also fosters a more supportive and inclusive atmosphere. This type of environment encourages students to come to school feeling happy and secure, knowing that they are part of a community that cares about them. The positive interactions and friendships that develop in such settings decrease the likelihood of bullying and other negative behaviors, further enhancing the learning ambiance. As a result, the overall school environment becomes conducive to academic success and personal development.
Builds Stronger Relationships
When schools incorporate kindness into their curriculum, they are not just teaching students a skill but are also laying the foundation for stronger, healthier relationships. Acts of kindness and the principles associated with them teach empathy and appreciation for others, crucial components of any strong relationship.
Greater Sense of Belonging
Kindness initiatives in schools help cultivate a feeling of community and belonging, which is essential for students’ emotional and mental health. When students perform or are the recipients of kind acts, they feel more connected to their peers and teachers, fostering a strong sense of community within the school. This sense of belonging is crucial as it can significantly affect a student’s motivation to attend school, their engagement in class, and their overall academic persistence.
Formation of Authentic Friendships
In an environment where kindness is emphasized, students learn to appreciate the value of forming genuine connections with others. Kindness teaches students to look beyond themselves and consider the feelings and needs of their peers, which promotes deeper and more meaningful relationships. Authentic friendships that are based on mutual respect and compassion can lead to improved self-esteem and decreased feelings of loneliness and isolation. These strong social connections are essential for developing social skills, emotional intelligence, and a supportive network, all of which are beneficial throughout their schooling and beyond.
Formation of Authentic Friendships
In an environment where kindness is emphasized, students learn to appreciate the value of forming genuine connections with others. Kindness teaches students to look beyond themselves and consider the feelings and needs of their peers, which promotes deeper and more meaningful relationships. Authentic friendships that are based on mutual respect and compassion can lead to improved self-esteem and decreased feelings of loneliness and isolation. These strong social connections are essential for developing social skills, emotional intelligence, and a supportive network, all of which are beneficial throughout their schooling and beyond.
Enhances Self-Worth and Confidence
Kindness can significantly enhance a student’s self-worth and confidence. Engaging in acts of kindness, like helping a peer or supporting a friend, provides children with a sense of accomplishment and pride. For instance, when students notice the positive effects of their kind actions, such as a smile from a peer or gratitude from a teacher, they feel good about themselves. This boost in morale is not just about feeling happy; it’s about recognizing their ability to contribute positively to those around them. Through kindness, students learn that they are valuable and capable individuals, which in turn, strengthens their self-confidence.
To help young children to have a greater enjoyment attending school and learning important lesson, purchasing “Courage to be Kind” is an important step to make.