GIVE A HUG DAY

January 21st is National Hugging Day, but I think it should be changed to National Hugging MONTH! Could anything be better than a hug on a cold winter day?

If your school is cautious about hugging, demonstrate how to give a hug in sign language by making fists with your hands and wrapping your arms around your chest.

How about a “hall hug”? Cross index and middle fingers and wiggle.

An “eye hug” is a good way to greet visitors to your classroom. Children squeeze their eyes as they wrap their arms around themselves and then open them up and share the hug.

A “hand hug” can be done by placing your palm next to a partner’s palm. Wrap your thumbs around, squeeze, look in your partner’s eyes, and smile!



Someone told me that a “rainbow hug” is when you hug yourself, make a wish, and send love to someone far away.

Can your students think of other ways to give a hug?

Discuss why we hug people. How does it make you feel when someone hugs you?

For a writing activity ask your students to make a list of all the people they’d like to give a hug.

Give children a paper plate and ask them to draw their face on it. Let them trace around their hands and cut them out. Give them two strips of paper (12” x 2 ½”) for arms. They can glue the arms to the paper plate and then attach the hands. Use the “hugs” for a bulletin board or let children give them to someone special.

Here’s a great big hug from me to you today!!!

STAND UP FOR DR. KING

Dr. King’s birthday is January 19th so here are some activities to include in your lesson plans.

My daughter Holly wrote this song and I think it's one of the best to celebrate the life of Dr. King. The meaning of the song and the vocabulary you can teach are powerful!

Stand Up For Martin Luther King
(Tune: “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean”)
Dr. King stood up for justice. (Stand and sway
He stood up for equality, too. back and forth.)
Dr. King stood up for children.
He stood up for me and for you. (Point to self and then others.)
So now we…
Stand up, stand up, (March in place to the beat.)
Stand up for Martin Luther King.
Stand up, stand up,
Stand up for Dr. King.

Dr. King wanted all of America (Sway back and forth.)
To be tolerant, fair, and free.
He stood up for what he believed in.
He stood up for you and for me. (Point to self and the others.)
So now we…

Dr King taught us all to be dreamers (Sway back and forth.)
So one day the world could begin
To judge people based on their character
And not on the color of their skin.
So now we… (March in place.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlL_O-B5m9w

MLK and KWL
Check out books from your school library on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Put them in your class library and ask the children to see what they can find out about Dr. King. Use a KWL chart to begin your discussion. K – What do they already know about Dr. King? W – What do they want to learn about him? L – After reading books about Dr. King, add the new information the children have learned.

Heroes
Martin Luther King was a hero. Make a list of other people that the children consider to be heroes. What character traits does a hero have? Ask children to write stories about what kind of hero they would like be when they grow up.


Vocabulary

Brainstorm words that describe Dr. King and other heroes. Let each child choose a word, write it on an index card, hole punch the corners, and wear it as a necklace. Why did they choose that word? What can they do to demonstrate that word?

*You could also let them make crowns and write positive characteristics on them.

Acts of Kindness
Get a notebook and write “Acts of Kindness” on it. Encourage the children to record kind deeds their classmates do for them. Read over the book at the end of each day to encourage more positive behavior.

I Have a Dream
Dr. King had a dream, and it’s important for everyone to have dreams. Cut clouds out of white sheets of paper and have children draw or write about their dreams. Encourage them to share their dreams with classmates and display on a bulletin board or make a class book.

FEBRUARY HAPPIES

February is a great time to focus on kindness and friendship! You'll find ideas for morning meeting, transitions, math, reading, science, and social studies in FEBRUARY HAPPIES. 

Here's your link for a FREE download:

06-February 

https://bit.ly/drJFreeFeb

HEART OF GOLD

There is a song of mine that you are probably familiar with called "Katalina Matalina." It's a silly song that the kids love, but there is also a special SEL lesson in her heart of gold.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OvNvMdz7BU

Katalina Matalina
Chorus: Katalina Matalina Upsadina Walkadina
Hoca Poca Loca was her name.

Her head was shaped like a baseball bat. (Point to head.)
And right on top was a funny, old hat. (Chorus)

She had two hairs in her head. (Point to hair.)
One was alive and the other was dead. (Chorus)

She had two eyes in her head. (Point to eyes.)
One was purple and the other was red. (Chorus)

She had two teeth in her mouth. (Point to mouth.)
One pointed north and the other pointed south. (Chorus)

Her neck was as long as a ten foot pole. (Point to neck.)
And right in the middle was a big, black bow. (Chorus)

Her hips were like two ships in port. (Wiggle hips.)
One headed south and the other headed north. (Chorus)

Her feet were as flat as a bathroom mat. (Point to feet.)
How did they ever get like that? (Chorus)

But she had a heart, so I’m told. (Put hands over heart.)
That was made of purest gold. (Chorus)

*Have children discuss what it means to have a “heart of gold.” Make paper hearts from gold paper and attach a piece of string so it can be worn around the neck. When you see children being kind let them wear the heart of gold for the day.


THE BROKEN HEART

Here’s a story to remind children how words can hurt. Cut a large heart out of red construction paper and hold it in your lap as you begin to tell the story below:

This is a story about a special friend named (imaginary name). He always came to school with a smile on his face and a big heart full of love for his classmates. (Hold up the big heart.) (Name) listened to his teacher, did his best work, and helped his friends. However, some of his friends weren’t always so kind. Joe made fun of his shoes and broke a little of his heart. (Tear off a piece of the heart and let it drop to the floor.) Ann said, “I’m saving this seat and you can’t sit here” at story time and broke a little more of his heart. Sammy wouldn’t share his crayons (tear off a little of the heart) and Sara called him a mean name. What are some other things that might break his heart? (Let the children name other things that cause hurt feelings as you let the pieces fall to the floor.) By the end of the day his heart was all in pieces and it was so sad.

Who can tell me how to put his heart back together? What are some kind things you can do for your friends? As children name different acts of kindness pick the pieces of the heart off the floor. Glue the pieces together on a poster as a reminder to have a kind heart. Encourage children to write friends’ names on the poster when they are kind and helpful to them!

*Thanks to Cheri Winton Bromley for telling me this story many years ago.


Kindness Club
Make a poster that says "Kindness Club." When friends do a kind deed ask children to write their name on the poster. You could also run off "Kindness Tickets" that children to give to friends to thank them.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1SnEagA4jljaHRsT05ZYmxPZlE/view?usp=sharing

WE REALLY LIKE YOU!

Invite children to brainstorm words that describe good friends. Write these words on index cards and place them in a bag. (You will need a word for each child so you might have to make duplicates of words.) One at a time children come up and choose a word. Sing the word to the tune of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

We Really Like You

We like you because you’re wonderful.
We like you because you’re wonderful.
We like you because you’re wonderful.
We really like you!

Hint! Pin or tape words to children so they can strive for that adjective. If they are not behaving appropriately ask, "Are you doing what your word says? Do I need to take it away from you?" They will want to keep their word for sure!


Kindness Club
To encourage children to be kind to their friends make a poster that says "Kindness Club." When friends do a kind deed ask children to write their name on the poster. You could also run off "Kindness Tickets" that children to give to friends to thank them. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1SnEagA4jljaHRsT05ZYmxPZlE/view?usp=sharing


Pass It On
*This is a great activity for older students.
Pass out a sheet of paper to each child and ask them to write their name at the top. Collect the papers and randomly pass one out to each child. Tell them to write one positive comment about the person whose name is on the paper. Continue passing the papers around the room as the children write something special about each classmate. (When children get their own papers, tell them to write something they like about themselves.) Collect the papers, put them in individual envelopes with their name, and save them for the end of the week. Reflect on how they felt when they read what their friends said about them.

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS EVERY DAY

Happy Valentine's Day! February 17th is officially Random Acts of Kindness Day, but these activities will be perfect to spread "love" any day this week! Start the day tomorrow by asking what "random acts of kindness" means. Brainstorm examples and then challenge each of your students to do at least 3 acts of kindness during the week.

Kindness Club
Write "The Kindness Club" on the board or a poster and have students write the names of classmates who do something kind for them.

Give each child "kindness tickets" to distribute to friends who do something nice for them.

*Thanks to Carolyn Kisloski for creating these tickets and poster for you.





https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1SnEagA4jljaHRsT05ZYmxPZlE/view?usp=sharing


Kindness Bracelet
Make bracelets from pipe cleaners. When they do a good deed they can get a bead and add it to their bracelet.

Kindness Book
Make a "Kindness Book" where students can record something positive a classmate has done for them.



Here are some other suggestions from randomactsofkindness.org:

1. Smile at one extra person.

2. Each lunch (or play) with someone new.

3. Make sure to say "I love you" or give someone special a hug.

4. Send a positive message or help someone.


I LOVE THIS RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS TEACHER CHALLENGE
THAT MY FRIEND DREW GILES CREATED!

WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE?

WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE?

Share the LOVE this month with these songs. You can download the books on drjean.org.

Will You Be My Valentine?
(Tune: “Do You Know the Muffin Man?”)
Will you be my Valentine, (Point to various friends.)
Valentine, Valentine?
Will you be my Valentine?
I’ll be yours if you’ll be mine! (Point to self and then a friend.)

Some are red, some are blue, (Hold up fingers.)
Some have lace and ribbons, too.
Some are funny, some are not. (Smile and then shake head “no.”)
I like the candy ones a lot.
*Download this book at drjean.org.


Bringing Home a Valentine
(Tune: “Baby Bumblebee”)
I’m bringing home a valentine for you, (Cup hands and move them to
One that says, “I love you.” the beat in front of your body.)
I’m bringing home a valentine for you
With a great big hug, and a (kiss) (kiss), too! (Hug self and then kiss
in the air.)
Softer….hum

The Broken Heart


Here’s a story just right for this month to help children think about how words can hurt. Cut a large heart out of red construction paper and hold it in your lap as you begin to tell the story below:

This is a story about a special friend named (imaginary name). He always came to school with a smile on his face and a big heart full of love for his classmates. (Hold up the big heart.) (Name) listened to his teacher, did his best work, and helped his friends. However, some of his friends weren’t always so kind. Joe made fun of his shoes and broke a little of his heart. (Tear off a piece of the heart and let it drop to the floor.) Ann said, “I’m saving this seat and you can’t sit here” at story time and broke a little more of his heart. Sammy wouldn’t share his crayons (tear off a little of the heart) and Sara called him a mean name. What are some other things that might break his heart? (Let the children name other things that cause hurt feelings as you let the pieces fall to the floor.) By the end of the day his heart was all in pieces and it was so sad.

Who can tell me how to put his heart back together? What are some kind things you can do for your friends? As children name different acts of kindness pick the pieces of the heart off the floor. Glue the pieces together on a poster as a reminder to have a kind heart. Encourage children to write friends’ names on the poster when they are kind and helpful to them!

Run off "Kindness Tickets" and distribute them to your students. Children can thank friends for a kindness shown by writing their name on a ticket.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1SnEagA4jljaHRsT05ZYmxPZlE/view?usp=sharing

NATIONAL HUG AND HANDWRITING DAY

There are some interesting holidays this month that can add a smile to your lesson plans. Coming up January 21st is National Hugging Day. Could anything be better than a hug on a cold winter day? Let children make a list of people they like to hug. 

Hint! If your school is cautious about hugging, demonstrate how to give an air hug by squeezing your arms in front of you.

“Hug” in sign language is done by making fists and wrapping your arms around your chest.

Show your students how to give a “hall hug” to friends by crossing your index and middle fingers and wiggling.

Give children a paper plate and ask them to draw their face on it. Let them trace around their hands and cut them out. Give them two strips of paper (12” x 2 ½”) for arms. They can glue the arms to the paper plate and then attach the hands. Use the “hugs” for a bulletin board or let children give them to someone special.


(Sorry, this looks a little sick-o. Your kids will do a better job than I did!)

January 23 is Handwriting Day, so students should remember to do their best. It might be fun to let them use pens, colored pencils, or different writing utensils that day. They will also get a kick out of doing fancy writing.

WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE?

Share the LOVE this month with these songs. You can download the books on drjean.org.

Will You Be My Valentine?
(Tune: “Do You Know the Muffin Man?”)
Will you be my Valentine, (Point to various friends.)
Valentine, Valentine?
Will you be my Valentine?
I’ll be yours if you’ll be mine! (Point to self and then a friend.)

Some are red, some are blue, (Hold up fingers.)
Some have lace and ribbons, too.
Some are funny, some are not. (Smile and then shake head “no.”)
I like the candy ones a lot.
*Download this book at drjean.org.
   

Bringing Home a Valentine
(Tune: “Baby Bumblebee”)
I’m bringing home a valentine for you, (Cup hands and move them to
One that says, “I love you.” the beat in front of your body.)
I’m bringing home a valentine for you
With a great big hug, and a (kiss) (kiss), too! (Hug self and then kiss
in the air.)
Softer….hum




The Broken Heart

Here’s a story just right for this month to help children think about how words can hurt. Cut a large heart out of red construction paper and hold it in your lap as you begin to tell the story below:

This is a story about a special friend named (imaginary name). He always came to school with a smile on his face and a big heart full of love for his classmates. (Hold up the big heart.) (Name) listened to his teacher, did his best work, and helped his friends. However, some of his friends weren’t always so kind. Joe made fun of his shoes and broke a little of his heart. (Tear off a piece of the heart and let it drop to the floor.) Ann said, “I’m saving this seat and you can’t sit here” at story time and broke a little more of his heart. Sammy wouldn’t share his crayons (tear off a little of the heart) and Sara called him a mean name. What are some other things that might break his heart? (Let the children name other things that cause hurt feelings as you let the pieces fall to the floor.) By the end of the day his heart was all in pieces and it was so sad.

Who can tell me how to put his heart back together? What are some kind things you can do for your friends? As children name different acts of kindness pick the pieces of the heart off the floor. Glue the pieces together on a poster as a reminder to have a kind heart. Encourage children to write friends’ names on the poster when they are kind and helpful to them!



Run off "Kindness Tickets" and distribute them to your students. Children can thank friends for a kindness shown by writing their name on a ticket.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1SnEagA4jljaHRsT05ZYmxPZlE/view?usp=sharing

COMPLIMENT AND KAZOO DAY

Here's another special day you won't want to forget. January 24 is Compliment Day and it would be a good time to talk about what a compliment is. How do you feel when someone gives you a compliment? What are some different ways you can compliment someone? How many compliments can you give during the day?

Compliment Jar
Get a clear jar and a bag of gems. Whenever someone compliments your class put a "gem" in the jar. When the jar is full the children get a special reward such as a popcorn party, extra recess, etc.

*You can use cotton balls, marbles, or other items for the compliment jar.

Hint! Be sure and let your special teachers and other school staff know about your gem jar so they can compliment your class when they EARN it.


Compliment Board (Kalli Lemley)
To encourage kindness and appreciation for others, place a bulletin board outside the room dedicated to compliments to each other. Vary the theme throughout the year:
“Leaf a compliment.” (Leaves)
“Snow’s some kindness.” (Snowflakes)
“Send a ray of sunshine.” (Sunshines)
“Watch our friendship grow.” (Flowers)


How could you miss celebrating National Kazoo Day on January 28th?



Ask your students to bring in paper towel rolls. (For sanitary reasons it is best to collect paper towel rolls rather than TP rolls!) Cut the paper towel rolls in half and punch a hole ¾” from the top. Let children decorate the cardboard rollers with markers or crayons. Cut 6” circles out of wax paper and use a rubber band to attach to one end of the roller and you’re ready to hum. March around the room as you hum some of your favorite songs.

Play “name that tune” as different students stand up and try to stump their classmates by humming a familiar tune.

KATALINA AND PEPPERONI PIZZA

There is a song of mine that you are probably familiar with called "Katalina Matalina." I learned this song over 60 years ago when I was a Brownie.  It's a silly song that the kids love, but there is also a timeless lesson with her heart of gold.

                                    

Click for video

Katalina Matalina
Chorus: Katalina Matalina Upsadina Walkadina
Hoca Poca Loca was her name.

Her head was shaped like a baseball bat. (Point to head.)
And right on top was a funny, old hat. (Chorus)

She had two hairs in her head. (Point to hair.)
One was alive and the other was dead. (Chorus)

She had two eyes in her head. (Point to eyes.)
One was purple and the other was red. (Chorus)

She had two teeth in her mouth. (Point to mouth.)
One pointed north and the other pointed south. (Chorus)

Her neck was as long as a ten foot pole. (Point to neck.)
And right in the middle was a big, black bow. (Chorus)

Her hips were like two ships in port. (Wiggle hips.)
One headed south and the other headed north. (Chorus)

Her feet were as flat as a bathroom mat. (Point to feet.)
How did they ever get like that? (Chorus)

But she had a heart, so I’m told. (Put hands over heart.)
That was made of purest gold. (Chorus)

Here's a link with patterns so you can make your own Katalina:

Click to download Katalina printable

Syllables - Clap out the syllables in Katalina’s name. Clap out the syllables in the children’s names in your classroom. Count how many claps in each person’s name. Compare and graph.

Comprehension - Have children close their eyes as you sing the song and create a picture of Katalina in their heads. Give each child a sheet of paper to draw her interpretation of Katalina. Display on a bulletin board or make a class book.

Diversity - Talk about what it means to have a heart of gold. Cut out 4 hearts and decorate with gold glitter. Punch holes in the hearts and tie on string to make necklaces. Each day when you see a child being a kind friend, let them wear Katalaina Matalina's heart of gold.

            

Kindness Club
Make a poster that says "Kindness Club." When friends do a kind deed ask children to write their name on the poster. You could also run off "Kindness Tickets" that children to give to friends to thank them.
                                                      

Thanks to Carolyn Kisloski for creating these kindness tickets.

Click to download printable

Pepperoni Pizza
I like to eat, eat, eat, (Extend arms to make a circle like a pizza.)
Pepperoni pizza.
I like to eat, eat, eat,
Pepperoni pizza.

Sing substituting the long “A” sound for each vowel.
A lake tae ate, ate, ate,
Papparaynay pazzay…

Continue substituting with “E,” “I,” “O,” and “U.”

Hint! Make sign language letters for the vowels as you sing.

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY

Happy Valentine's Day!  February 17th is officially Random Acts of Kindness Day, but these activities will be perfect to spread "love" any day this week! Start the day tomorrow by asking what "random acts of kindness" means. Brainstorm examples and then challenge each of your students to do at least 3 acts of kindness during the week.

Kindness Club
Write "The Kindness Club" on the board or a poster and have students write the names of classmates who do something kind for them.

Give each child "kindness tickets" to distribute to friends who do something nice for them.

*Thanks to Carolyn Kisloski for creating these tickets and poster for you.

             

                            

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1SnEagA4jljaHRsT05ZYmxPZlE/view?usp=sharing


Kindness Bracelet
Make bracelets from pipe cleaners. When they do a good deed they can get a bead and add it to their bracelet.
                                    

Kindness Book
Make a "Kindness Book" where students can record something positive a classmate has done for them.



Here are some other suggestions from randomactsofkindness.org:

1. Smile at one extra person.

2. Each lunch (or play) with someone new.

3. Make sure to say "I love you" or give someone special a hug.

4. Send a positive message or help someone.


I LOVE THIS RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS TEACHER CHALLENGE
THAT MY FRIEND DREW GILES CREATED!