West Elementary Families,
As we move through February, I challenge us all to focus on something simple but powerful: kindness. Kindness doesn’t have to be big or expensive; often, the smallest actions make the biggest difference.
Below are some fun, easy, and meaningful ways to practice kindness at home, along with books, crafts, and conversation starters to help build empathy.
Kindness Ideas to Try as a Family
Here are a few simple ways to show kindness this month:
At Home
Leave a kind note in a lunchbox or on a pillow
Do one “helpful surprise” each day (feed the pet, fold towels, set the table)
Make a “kindness jar”—write kind acts on slips of paper and pull one each day
Give family compliments at dinner (“Something I appreciate about you is…”)
In the Community
Hold the door open and smile 😊
Donate gently used books or toys
Write a thank-you note to a mail carrier, custodian, teacher, or cafeteria worker
Make a card for someone who may feel lonely
At School
Invite someone new to play
Use encouraging words: “You’ve got this!”
Be a helper without being asked
Include others and cheer them on
Sweet Books That Teach Kindness & Empathy
Here are some wonderful read-alouds that spark great conversations:
Kindness & Friendship
Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud
Kindness is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego
Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
Empathy & Understanding Feelings
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
Enemy Pie by Derek Munson
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
⭐ Family Tip: After reading, ask: “What would you do if you were that character?”
Simple Crafts That Encourage Kindness
These are easy, low-prep ideas you can do with items you likely already have:
1) Kindness Hearts
Cut out paper hearts and write kind messages like:
“You matter!”
“You are a great friend!”
“Thanks for being you!”
Leave them on a sibling’s door, in a backpack, or on the fridge.
2) Empathy Paper People
Draw a person and label:
What they might be feeling
What they might need
How we can help
This helps kids practice thinking outside of themselves.
3) Kindness Coupon Book
Make “coupons” your child can give to others, such as:
“One free hug”
“I’ll help you clean up.”
“I’ll read with you”
“You pick the game!”
4) “Helping Hands” Wreath
Trace your child’s hands on paper, cut them out, and write one kind act on each hand. Tape them in a circle like a wreath!
Talking to Kids About Empathy (Simple + Real)
Empathy is a skill children learn over time, especially when adults model it.
Here are easy ways to talk about it at home:
Start with a simple definition
Empathy means noticing how someone feels and caring about it.
(It doesn’t mean you have to fix it, just understand it.)
Try these conversation starters
“How do you think they felt when that happened?”
“What would you want someone to do if you felt that way?”
“What could we say to help?”
“Have you ever felt like that before?”
Teach phrases kids can actually use
“Are you okay?”
“Do you want to play with us?”
“I’m sorry that happened.”
“Do you want help?”
“It’s okay to feel upset.”
When your child makes a mistake
Mistakes are learning moments. You can say:
“Let’s try that again with kinder words,” or “What can we do to make it right?”
A Quick Kindness Challenge!
Try this 5-Day Kindness Challenge at home:
Day 1: Give 3 compliments
Day 2: Help without being asked
Day 3: Write a thank-you note
Day 4: Include someone new
Day 5: Do a kind act in your community
Small acts. Big impact. 💛
Thank you for helping us build a school community where every child feels safe, valued, and included. When children learn kindness and empathy, they become leaders not just in the classroom, but in life.
We are grateful for you and your partnership always!
Libby McNamara
