Teaching kindness at Kearns St. Ann Catholic School

Courtesy of Kearns St. Ann School

+ Enlarge

In Mr. Jeff Lambert's 5th grade classroom at Kearns Saint Ann School, treating others with kindness has been an overarching theme both in and out of the classroom this school year.

SALT LAKE CITY — In Mr. Jeff Lambert’s 5th grade classroom at Kearns Saint Ann School, treating others with kindness has been an overarching theme both in and out of the classroom this school year. Kindness allows for empathy development, lifts spirits, and is able to mold and build positive relationships. Mr. Lambert has noticed this happening inside his classroom with various assignments and activities.

Students began the year by reading the novel Wonder by RJ Palacio. Wonder is a novel about a 5th-grade boy, August Pullman, who has a facial difference and is entering a new school. It details August’s interactions as well as allows the reader to view multiple perspectives throughout the book.

With its message of kindness and good humor, Wonder quickly became a classroom favorite.

“Wonder teaches us that even the smallest bit of kindness can go a long way and spread into everyone’s heart. All you have to do is give kindness a chance,” 5th-grader Dakota Lara said.

After reading the novel, students had the opportunity to go on a field trip to view the movie and compare the differences and similarities with the book. 

“Both the movie and the book can teach the biggest of bullies to be kind, and the smallest of kids to be confident just by learning about August,” said Kearns St. Ann student Ksana DeMet.

Obtaining and implementing the virtue of kindness is part of a developmental process at Kearns St. Ann School. Several extension activities to explicitly teach kindness were implemented after the students finished Wonder. An activity was assigned over the winter break for the students to complete several acts of kindness. They then had to write and detail their acts and experiences. Playing with a sibling, helping prepare a meal, complimenting someone, and shoveling a neighbor’s driveway were some of the kindness acts students completed over the break.

The assignment was enjoyable, said 5th-grader Ryan Dayley, “Yes, it was homework, but it feels nice to do this and make people feel good and happy.”

Even parents appreciated the assignment.

“It was such a nice way to bring the holidays a personal yet Christian touch,” said Jesenia Pasillas, parent of a 5th-grade student. “It was great to see our son Diego taking the time to help others and making calls to his family, just to check in on them.”

Overall, Kearns St. Ann’s 5th grade students have made a goal in continuing to treat others with kindness, and that is something the world needs more of.

Courtesy of Kearns St. Ann School