Kindness Catchers 
introduce Kindness Catchers by encouraging students to write or draw acts of kindness they notice in the classroom or school community. Collect and share these during morning meeting or closing circle to highlight positive behaviors and reinforce empathy. Use this routine to help students recognize kindness in others and understand the impact of small, thoughtful actions.

Compliment Cards 
Use Compliment Cards to help students practice noticing and naming positive character traits in others. Encourage students to write sincere, specific compliments and share them anonymously to build confidence and strengthen classroom relationships. This activity reinforces kindness, empathy, and the power of encouraging words.

Gratitude Journals 
Students regularly write or draw about people, moments, or actions they’re thankful for to build appreciation and empathy.

Kindness Chain 
Create a Kindness Chain by having students write or draw acts of kindness they notice or perform on paper strips. Each time an act of kindness is recorded, add a link to the chain and display it in the classroom to visually show how kindness grows and connects the community. Use the chain as a reflection tool during meetings or closing circle to reinforce positive behavior and empathy.

Emoji Drop  
One simple way to strengthen relationships and support self-regulation is to intentionally check in with students’ emotions each day. Consider creating a routine where students identify how they are feeling as they arrive and place a marker under a matching emotion. This quick visual check-in helps students pause and reflect on their emotions before learning begins, while giving teachers valuable insight into students’ readiness, attention, and support needs. When students are aware of how they feel, they are better able to manage those emotions—making this routine a powerful, low-effort way to build connection, empathy, and emotional awareness in the classroom.

Thank-You Notes 
Students write notes to classmates, staff, or family members acknowledging kindness or support.

Reflection Prompts   
Use Reflection Prompts to give students a quiet moment to think about kindness and empathy at the end of the day. Ask students to respond orally or in writing to prompts such as “How did I show kindness today?” or “How did someone show kindness to me?” This routine helps students build self-awareness, gratitude, and intentional decision-making.