Kindness Jar
To develop awareness of kind actions and their impact on others.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional
- Learning area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Level: EYFS 2-3
Objectives
- Identifies kind actions
- Shows pleasure in being kind
- Notices kindness in others
- Celebrates group achievements
Materials
- Clear jar
- Pompoms or stars
- Kindness display
- Celebration chart
Instructions
NOTICING KINDNESS: Throughout the day, catch children being kind: 'I saw you help Leo put his coat on! That was so kind! Shall we put a pompom in the kindness jar?'
MAKING IT VISIBLE: Keep the jar visible so children can see it filling up. 'Look how many kind things we've done today! Our jar is nearly full!' Visual progress motivates.
DEFINING KINDNESS: Help children understand what kindness looks like: 'Kindness is when you help someone. Kindness is when you share. Kindness is when you use gentle words.'
CELEBRATING TOGETHER: When the jar is full, celebrate as a group: 'Our jar is full of kindness! We've been such kind friends! Shall we have a special story to celebrate?'