The Kindness Curriculum

We did this last in 2020, so it seemed like a good idea to go through it again. It ties in well with the mindfulness exercises I wanted to incorporate for Buddhism in World Religions, and is a good fit for our Jataka Tales block. This curriculum is meant for early childhood, so I will adapt it a bit for grades 1/2.

Here are my notes from the last time I taught this curriculum. And, if I used a new story this time around, I've put a picture of it below the lesson title:

Theme 1: MINDFUL BODIES AND PLANTING SEEDS OF KINDNESS

Lesson 1: Mindful bodies and awareness of attention and breath

Lesson 2: Growing seeds


Lesson 3: Growing friendship with kindness

Theme 2: I FEEL EMOTIONS ON THE INSIDE

Lesson 4: Quiet emotions on the inside


Lesson 5: I can notice things when I’m quiet on the inside


A Mindful Eating Script (PDF)

Lesson 6: Different emotions feel differently on the inside

Theme 3: HOW I FEEL ON THE INSIDE SHOWS ON THE OUTSIDE

Lesson 7: Emotions on the inside show on the outside
Lesson 8: Working with emotions in a kind and friendly way
Lesson 9: Emotions change many times each day

Theme 4: TAKING CARE OF STRONG EMOTIONS ON THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE

Lesson 10: Busy mind and clear mind
Lesson 11: Making Mind Jars and practicing using them
Lesson 12: What else can we do when we are upset?

Theme 5: CALMING AND WORKING OUT PROBLEMS

Lesson 13: Mindful movement
Lesson 14: Forgiving myself
Lesson 15: Forgiving others

Theme 6: GRATITUDE

Lesson 16: Gratitude for people or things in my life
Lesson 17: Gratitude for my body
Lesson 18: Gratitude for other people

Theme 7: ALL PEOPLE DEPEND ON EACH OTHER AND THE EARTH

Lesson 19: People around the world want peace
Lesson 20: Connections with others
Lesson 21: Caring for animals and insects

Theme 8: GRATITUDE AND CARING FOR OUR WORLD AND WRAP-UP

Lesson 22: Gratitude and caring for our world

Peace Wands

speaking from the heart
being a star listener