How to Be Kind: Guide for New Students and Student Leaders
The beginning of a new school year can be an exciting time for many. However, for some, it can be intimidating or even frightening. Kids transitioning back from an online school or entering into a new school can be filled with anxiety as they head into a new school year. But other students can help ease this transition with one simple act — kindness. Apex Leadership Co. shares kindness tips for new students, student leaders, school staff, and parents, too.
Model Kindness
Teaching kindness at home is one of the best ways to ensure a child understands what this important characteristic is really capable of through even the smallest acts. Parents and guardians can help teach kindness by example in their everyday lives. Remember that little ones model their parents in so many seemingly small ways. Kindness is a powerful way to help make someone’s day brighter.
Be Inclusive
Gone are the days of the cliché cliques heavily showcased in movies from the 80s and 90s. Today’s classrooms and campuses are all about inclusion and welcoming all to be who they are. Teaching children early on about the many ways that humans are all different, and how those differences make them unique and interesting, is a great way to spread inclusivity. This could include race, gender, size, limits on capabilities, and other things that make people different. There is room at the table for everyone — literally and figuratively. And the lunch table is a great place to start. Kids can spread kindness by inviting a new student or a child sitting along to join them at their table. It’s a small act that can make a big difference in a student’s life.
Reach Out
While being social comes naturally for some, making new friends can be a tough thing for students that are shy or introverted. But even the smallest kind gesture, like saying hi to a new student in the hallway, sitting next to a new group of students in class, or complimenting another student can be the start of a new friendship formed on kindness. Signing up for school activities and clubs is another great way to reach out and get involved.
Stand Up for Someone
As much emphasis has been placed on kindness, empathy, and inclusion in classrooms in more recent years, there is always going to be a bully or someone who doesn’t treat people as they should. Student leaders can show kindness by standing up for someone that is being bullied or treated negatively. This can be done discreetly by letting a teacher or school staff member know, or students that see this happening can make an effort to include the “bullied” child into their circle.
Apex Leadership Co.’s team of experts knows firsthand how powerful one small act of kindness can be. And it can create a ripple effect! So why not start a movement of change today with a random act of kindness! It’s amazing to see the impact of this little action.
