A challenge from some kind students

I am a Grade 3/4 teacher at General Byng School. I have amazing, caring students in my class.

The first day after Christmas break I shared with my class that I had bought a coffee for the person behind me as I was driving to school. My good friend had passed away a year and a half ago, and she always did this once a week on her way to work. I shared with them how good it made my heart feel, knowing I was continuing her kindness mission by paying it forward.

This story sparked something in my students and they started a Random Acts of Kindness project. Every day they would write down on chart paper the random acts of kindness they were performing at school and at home. For example, "Washing the dishes before my Mom even asked me to," "Taking the garbage out," "Helping my Dad bring the groceries in," "Picking up boots laying on the floor in the school hallway."

They were so excited to share their acts of kindness each day and proud of their kind, caring ways being noticed by people throughout our school.

During a discussion later that week, they decided that they wanted to create videos of them actually doing these acts of kindness. Their purpose: to share with students and staff throughout our school how easy it is for us all to care for and help one another.

When they learned we'd be sharing the videos at an assembly, they proposed creating Random Acts of Kindness bookmarks for every single person in our school, students and staff.

Now when my class puts their minds to something, there's no stopping them. They completed a total of 389 bookmarks which they handed out at our assembly. My class was beaming until the day’s end.

But their ideas didn't stop there.

They also wanted to spread their love into our community as well, so they began to write letters, poems, record songs, make cards, write inspirational picture books and make friendship bracelets for children at the Children's Hospital. Their positive, uplifting words are moving to read. The kindness and heart they have put into these gifts is a true reflection of what children are capable of doing.

I have been so moved by my students. They inspire me every day to be a better person. Their Random Acts of Kindness project is such a strong reminder of how simple, kind acts can truly make a difference.

We, as a class, challenge all of you to take the time to spread your love and kindness to your friends, family and community.

-- Ellie Lessak