5 Simple Activity Ideas for Teaching Kindness to Kids

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Teaching kindness is one of several very important character traits that we want to be nurturing in our children.

Kindness is a reflection of God’s love, a virtue that shines through our actions, words, and attitudes toward others.

As homeschool parents, we have the ability to model and teach kindness daily, both through intentional lessons and in the way we interact as a family.

By grounding these lessons in Scripture and real-life applications, we can help our children understand what true kindness is.

Why Kindness Is Important

Often children want to know the “why” behind things. It usually helps the lesson to stick a lot more too.

Kindness is more than just being nice; it’s an active expression of love and empathy. Teaching kindness helps children:

• Develop empathy and compassion for others.
• Build strong, healthy relationships.
• Reflect Christ’s love in their daily lives.
• Create a positive impact in their communities.

Key Bible Verses on Kindness

#1 Ephesians 4:32

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

This verse highlights that kindness flows from a heart softened by forgiveness and grace. Emphasize how Christ’s love enables us to be kind, even when it’s challenging.

It could be argued that the most sincere form of kindness is the kind that is given to those who aren’t necessarily treating us very well.

#2 Colossians 3:12

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.”

Explain how kindness is part of the “clothing” we wear as believers, alongside humility, patience, and love.

#3 Proverbs 31:26

“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”

Discuss how our words can be powerful tools for kindness, encouraging and uplifting others.

#4 Luke 6:31

“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”

Known as the Golden Rule, this verse teaches that kindness often begins with considering how we would like to be treated.

How to Teach Kindness to Your Children

This is a basic lesson plan to help give you an idea of how to begin focusing on the character trait of kindness with your children.

Below this, there are 5 really fun kindness activity ideas that you can implement as well.

Objective:

Help children understand the importance of kindness, recognize opportunities to show kindness, and practice it in daily life.

Materials Needed:

• Bible
• Paper and markers
• A kindness jar (small jar with blank slips of paper)
• Craft supplies for making “Kindness Coupons”

Lesson Outline:

#1 Introduction (5-10 minutes)

• Ask: What does it mean to be kind?
• Discuss how kindness is more than just “being nice”—it’s about caring for others with our actions and words.
• Read Ephesians 4:32 together and talk about how God’s forgiveness motivates us to be kind.

#2 Bible Story (10-15 minutes)

• Share the story of The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) to illustrate kindness to others, even strangers or those who are different from us.
• Discuss: Why did the Samaritan help when others passed by? How can we be like the Good Samaritan in our daily lives?

#3 Discussion Questions (5-10 minutes)

• Can kindness be shown without words? How?
• Why is it sometimes hard to be kind?
• How do you feel when someone is kind to you?
• What are small ways we can show kindness every day?

#4 Activity: Kindness Jar (10 minutes)

• Create a “Kindness Jar” filled with simple ideas written on slips of paper, such as:
  • Help set the table without being asked.
  • Compliment someone today.
  • Write a thank-you note to a friend or family member.
• Each day, have your child pick an idea and complete the act of kindness.

#5 Craft: Kindness Coupons (15 minutes)

• Give each child blank paper to create “Kindness Coupons.”
• On each coupon, they write or draw acts of kindness they can offer, like:
  • One free hug
  • Help with chores
  • A kind note for a sibling
• Let them decorate the coupons and “redeem” them throughout the week.

#6 Real-Life Application (5 minutes)

• Challenge your children to find one new way to show kindness each day for the next week.
• Reflect on these acts at the end of the week: How did it feel to be kind? How did others respond?

5 Activity Ideas for Teaching Kindness

#1 Kindness Chain

• Materials: Colored paper strips, markers, glue or tape

Instructions

• Write acts of kindness on paper strips (e.g., “Help a sibling,” “Say something nice,” “Share a toy”).
• Each time a child completes an act of kindness, they add a strip to the chain.
• Watch the chain grow as a visual representation of how kindness builds upon itself.

#2 Kindness Rocks

• Materials: Smooth rocks, acrylic paint, paintbrushes, permanent markers

Instructions

• Decorate rocks with encouraging words like “Be kind,” “God loves you,” or a Bible verse on kindness (Ephesians 4:32).
• Leave them in public places, a park, or gift them to friends and family.

#3 Heartfelt Kindness Cards

• Materials: Construction paper, stickers, markers, glue, optional printed Bible verses

Instructions

• Have kids create “Kindness Cards” with uplifting messages and Bible verses.
• Deliver them to neighbors, church members, or a nursing home.

#4 Kindness Jar Challenge

• Materials: Mason jar, small slips of paper, markers

Instructions

• Write different kindness challenges on slips of paper (e.g., “Compliment someone,” “Do a chore without being asked,” “Pray for a friend”).
• Each day, a child picks a slip from the jar and completes the act.

#5 Helping Hands Collage

• Materials: Paper, paint, markers, glue

Instructions

• Trace and cut out each child’s handprint.
• On each handprint, write ways they can show kindness (e.g., “Helping Mom with dishes,” “Saying please and thank you”).
• Glue all handprints onto a large poster as a “Helping Hands” collage.

Final Thoughts

Kindness is more than a lesson; it’s a way of life that reflects Christ’s love. Through Scripture, intentional activities, and daily examples, we can nurture hearts that are tender, compassionate, and eager to serve others.