by Samantha Gentrup As teachers get ready for the school year, we have to decide what our classrooms will look like and what our rules and procedures will be. We essentially have to create our classroom culture. What can we do to make sure we build a classroom of kindness and compassion for all beings?…
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by Marsha Rakestraw As information about bullying becomes more pervasive, schools and others who serve children are striving to create anti-bully/pro-hero environments. Since bullying and exclusion can begin as early as preschool, it’s important that we who are helping children become their best selves begin cultivating humane values in our young children. October is Bullying…
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One of the first lessons we’re taught as young children is about the importance of sharing. Yet examine our actions as adults—the ways we treat each other, nonhuman animals, and the earth—and it may seem like we’ve forgotten how vital sharing is. An important part of raising compassionate, conscientious citizens is introducing humane values such…
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We’re often told to look for heroes we can turn to for inspiration. How often do we seek out what we can learn from people we dislike, or those who’ve done evil? This activity explores what we can learn from both our heroes and enemies (what to do and what NOT to do). This activity…
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What’s a typical Saturday look like in the life of someone striving to live a more humane life? Participants follow a “humane presenter” or a “humane wannabe” through a reenactment of their day to learn about the whats and whys of making humane choices every day. Recommended for grades 5 and up. Time: 90-120 minutes…
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What are the most desirable and undesirable qualities of humans? Use sample stories and pictures to help students identify our best (and worst) qualities and how we can encourage humane qualities in ourselves and others. Recommended for grades 3 through 6. Time: 30-60 minutes Common Core Standards for this activity (pdf): Download Common Core…
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At the end of your very long life, a child asks you what you did to help make the world so much better. Guide students through this visualization to help them get in touch with their power to make positive change. Recommended for grades 5 and up. Time: 10-20 minutes Common Core Standards for…
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Help students think deeply and critically about what it means to be our best selves and about the ethical quandaries between balancing personal desires with kindness toward others by engaging them in an exploration of personal and global ethical scenarios. Recommended for grades 3 through 8. Time: 60 minutes Common Core Standards for this…
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A menudo se nos dice que debemos buscar heroes, que podemos acudir a ellos en busca de inspiración. ¿Que tan a menudo buscamos aprender de la gente con la que estamos en desacuerdo, nos disgusta o aquellas que han hecho algún mal? Esta actividad explora que es lo que podemos aprender de ambos, nuestros heroes…
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¿Cuáles son las cualidades más deseables e indeseables de los seres humanos? Utilicen ejemplos de historias y fotografías para ayudar a los estudiantes a identificar nuestras mejores (y peores) cualidades y cómo podemos fomentar más cualidades humanitarias entre nosotros mismos y los demás. Recomendado para grados de 3 a 6 Duración: 30-60 minutos Traducido por…
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