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Making A Difference: Putting kindness into action at Whitemarsh Elementary

WES Great Kindness Week Project Thumbnail

During the week of the Great Kindness Challenge, students at Whitemarsh Elementary School (WES) spent time exploring the meaning of kindness. They engaged in discussions and activities to prepare for a hands-on project that would help them put kindness into action.

“It’s important to be kind, because you want to see someone smiling,” said WES first grader Claire LaChapelle. “It makes you feel like a good person,” added classmate Lauren Schomber.

Throughout the week, students focused on how they can show kindness in four key areas: at home, in their community, with their classmates, and toward themselves.

For many students, the most rewarding part of kindness involved meeting other peoples’ needs. "My favorite way to show kindness is helping others when they need help," said WES first grader Gianni Kwakye. Classmate Gibson Malora added, "My favorite way to show kindness is cheering up someone when they are sad."

Third grader Reese Longwell shared how she enjoys recognizing others’ strengths. “My favorite way to be kind is to give out compliments,” she said. 

The students took what they learned during the week and created collages that touched on the four areas where they can show kindness. “They’re learning that being kind to themselves is just as important as being kind to others,” explained Lauren Shinton, the school’s Speech Language Pathologist.

Through the project, the children at Whitemarsh Elementary are broadening their idea of kindness so they can confidently demonstrate it inside and outside of school. 

“It is important to be kind, because you can make new friends and make people happy” said WES third grader James Trang.