Remember the novel and/or the movie “Pay It Forward”, about a young boy who did three good deeds for others in need. All the boy wanted in return was that his three recipients pass on the good deed to three other people and keep the cycle going.

One good deed might not seem like much, but if everyone did something good for someone else, then the cycle of generosity and kindness can spark us to become better people.

Cut thin strips of construction paper (1 x 1.8″) in blue, white & silver or red, green and gold (or any holiday color theme you choose). Each day, until winter break – students will write random acts of kindness they’ve performed, or seen other students perform, on the strips of paper and add them to the “KINDNESS” chain.

The goal is to “naturally” do acts of kindness for people, living things and our earth every day!

Perform RAK at school, at home or in the community. (ex: take cookies to a neighbor, or elderly person, help another student with homework, write letters to veterans, clean litter in playground or in community, plant seeds, read to younger students, take notes or treats to school staff etc). See how long and colorful your classroom can make a kindness chain! String the chain up in the classroom; it will become more and more decorative as winter break approaches. Send this letter home to parents to inform them of the count down project, and get the whole family involved!

Another tip: After your kindness chain is completed, ask a volunteer to take it to a community elderly home, halfway house, or other needy facility, and decorate their door or tree. Be creative with this project, put your own spin on it, and have fun!