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Kindness Connects Toolkit

In the aftermath of 9/11, kindness became a way for communities to heal and stand together. Twenty-five years on, we invite young people to explore how empathy and respect continue to build stronger, safer communities.

Through discussion, reflection, and practical activities designed for flexible use, the resources in this toolkit encourage students to understand different perspectives, challenge unkind behaviour, and recognise the power of small actions to create positive change. It is a thoughtful, active choice to respond to others with empathy, understanding, and connection – especially when people may feel divided or unsure. 

Please note that you will need to be logged in to access the resources. 

 

Quick start activities (10 -15 mins)

Quick-fire activities needing little preparation to warm-up pupils and reflect on their attitudes towards kindness.

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Kind words (KS2)

Complete the comic strip to practise kind words.

Kindness quotes (KS2)

Kindness quotes from famous figures to unlock and inspire younger pupils' own vision of kindness.

Kindness wordsearch (KS2)

Fun word search of concepts associated with kindness.

Kind words (KS3)

Writing worksheet to find kind words in simple scenarios.

Kindness quotes (KS3)

Kindness quotes from famous figures to unlock and inspire students' own vision of kindness.

9/11 kindness quotes (KS3)

Inspirational quotes from the aftermath of 9/11 exploring how kindness connects after a tragedy and can be translated to everyday actions.

Kindness reflection (KS2/3)

A simple prompt sheet to enable pupils to reflect on kindness.

Class/group activities (30 - 60 mins)

Deeper discussions and critical considerations of how kindness connects - and what stops us from enacting it

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The starfish parable (KS2)

Parable of the starfish thrower to consider the impact of small acts.

Kindness poetry (KS2)

Poem and writing frame exploring metaphors for kindness.

Kindness in the news (KS2/3)

Looking at kindness in the news and sharing your Kindness Connects news.

The starfish parable (KS3)

Parable of the starfish thrower to consider hopeful and cynical perspectives on small acts of kindness.

Simple kindness poetry (KS3)

Combine literacy and kindness to discuss a poem exploring kindness as an act of community and resistance.

Online kindness (KS3)

Encourages students to think critically about why kindness matters in online spaces.

Action-based activities

Tools and templates to enable small acts of kindness within and beyond the classroom

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Supporting new students (KS2/KS3)

Practise empathy for new students during transitions or year-round.

Kindness notes (KS2/3)

Write a kindness note to someone - and write one to yourself

Kindness cards (KS2/3)

Secret buddy activity to give an act of kindness.

25 acts of kindness bingo (KS2)

Fun bingo grid with 20 small acts of kindness suggested and space for pupils to create 5 for themselves.

Kindness diary (KS2/3)

Connect with kindness for a week.

The kindness project (KS3)

Opportunity to apply experimental enquiry to the relationship between kindness and wellbeing.

Supporting resources

Tools to celebrate and recognise kindness as well as guidance on how to share your kindness activities to add to our Gallery of Kindness.

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10 acts of kindness after 9/11

The 25th anniversary of 9/11 offers a powerful moment to reflect not just on what happened, but on how people came together afterwards.

Other organisations supporting kindness in schools

To help extend and sustain your work, we have collated a list of other organisations that support kindness in schools and our wider community.

Certificate of kindness (KS2/3)

A printable certificate to celebrate pupils who show kindness.

Gallery of kindness submission

Guidance and consent forms to be used when submitting pupil work for our 'Gallery of Kindness'.

Kindness posters

Printable posters to display in your classroom.