Picture books can be a powerful teaching tool to help students understand the important lessons of kindness and compassion. Below are some of my favorite books for the classroom that will help your students learn about empathy, compassion, and showing kindness toward others. These books are perfect for celebrating World Kindness Day, Random Acts of Kindness Day, or just for spreading kindness throughout the year!
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1. Kindness is My Super Power by Alicia Ortego is a cheerful and empowering book that encourages students to use their kindness as a superpower to make positive changes in the world.
2. Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller is an inspiring and heartwarming story that teaches students the power of kindness and how it can positively impact their lives and those around them.
3. One Drop of Kindness by Jeff Kubiak is an uplifting and inspiring book about the ripple effects of kindness. It shares the message that “it only takes one drop of kindness to fill a heart with love” and that every day we have a choice to show and spread kindness.
4. Kindness Week by Tahiya Cooper is an inspiring story about the power of showing kindness to others. It teaches students about friendship and how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the lives of others.
5. We’re All Wonders by R J Palacio teaches students what it means to “choose kind.” The story encourages students to accept and acknowledge the unique differences between individuals, and to practice kindness and empathy towards others.
6. Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids by Carol McCloud is an inspiring and thought-provoking book that encourages students to practice kindness and fill the buckets of their classmates, friends, and family.
7. The Kindness Book by Todd Parr is a fun and whimsical book that teaches students the importance of kindness and being kind to others. The vibrant illustrations and engaging story are perfect for younger readers!
8. Kindness Starts With You – At School by Jacquelyn Stagg is a heartwarming book that helps to teach students the importance of kindness and how it can positively change their lives and those around them in school.
9. A Little SPOT of Kindness! by Diane Alber is an entertaining story that teaches children the power of kindness and how simple acts can make a big difference.
10. ABCs of Kindness by Samantha Berger is a creative and fun book that teachers younger readers the importance of kindness.
Click the image above to download a PDF with clickable links to each book!
As teachers, we have the unique opportunity to shape the lives of our students in meaningful ways and teach them about important values such as kindness and compassion. These books will encourage children to think more deeply about how their actions can impact others, as well as how they should treat each other with kindness and respect. By introducing these titles into the classroom, we can teach students valuable lessons and guide them toward positive choices that support empathy, compassion, and kindness toward others.
If you’re looking for more ideas for teaching kindness in your classroom, be sure to check out my post Help Students Spread Kindness on Random Acts of Kindness Day, and download the FREE posters, poems, and activities to use throughout the year!
