Aesop said, "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." What better way to lift a worry or fear than doing kindnesses for others! Here are some ideas to help you focus on the good you can do.
STORYTIME:
A Sick Day for Amos McGee
by Philip C. Stead; illustrated by Erin E. Stead
Pickle-Chiffon Pie
written and illustrated by Jolly Roger Bradfield
KINDNESS PROJECTS:
KINDNESS POSTCARDS You may be under a stay-at home order from the governor, but you can still show your appreciation to those who must continue to work. Draw a picture, or write a thank you note, for those people who are continuing to work -- the grocery worker, the post office workers, police and fire departments, hospital workers, delivery drivers, etc. Have a pile ready for your grownup to deliver when he/she needs to go for groceries or medicine. Tape a thank you note to your door for the delivery driver or mail-person.
TEDDY BEAR HUNT Join the current movement to encourage others and lift spirits by putting a teddy bear or brightly colored picture in your window for others to see.
KINDNESS ROCKS Go into your backyard (if you can) and gather up a collection of small rocks. Wash them and let them dry. Then, use acrylic paint, nail polish, permanent or paint markers -- because you don't want the colors to wash off in the rain -- and decorate those rocks. Next, write a short message on the top (your grownup can help if you can't write yet). Now, your rocks are ready for you to hide, or give, around your neighborhood for others to find.
COMPLIMENT JAR Make a Compliment Jar for anyone you know who is all alone -- an elderly neighbor, a single parent, a quarantined family member -- to let him/her know other people care. First, get permission to go through the recyclables for a jar or container with a lid. Wash and decorate the container. Then, as a family or with your grownup, write down (on slips of paper) short encouraging phrases. Put the slips in the container and deliver to your chosen person with instructions for him/her to choose a note every time a negative feeling is overwhelming.
NURSING HOME CARDS Your grownup will need to contact the local nursing home first, to see if it is possible to deliver your cards right now. In the meantime, get out your coloring utensils and start making beautiful drawings for the elderly people in your area.
Look for more stories and activities in the coming days.
Remember, make it a great day, keep safe, and keep on reading!
