Kindness 101 Program Teaches Compassion in Schools

The United States invests hundreds of billions every year in teaching children essential skills like reading, writing, and math. However, kindness is often overlooked. In some places, that is changing, thanks to a program known as Kindness 101.

Kindness 101 uses stories from CBS News’ ‘On the Road’ series to promote kindness and character in schools. Lesson plans are developed by a nonprofit at Iowa’s Drake University, called ‘Character Counts!’

“So the idea that we could develop curricular resources around these stories that elevate the best of our country…and we’re going to do all this so that educators don’t have to pay to get them,” said Scott Raecker, executive director of Character Counts!

The joy of this initiative is evident when visiting classrooms that participate. Neil Lahammer’s third grade class at Burnside Elementary School in Red Wing, Minnesota, exemplifies this spirit. Lahammer is among over 100,000 teachers using the Kindness 101 program.

These lessons, accessible to any teacher at Kindness101.com, aim to inspire kindness and character among millions of children worldwide. Lahammer notes the impact when students emulate the lessons from the videos.

The enthusiasm for kindness is further fostered by Lahammer’s Kindness Club. Students give up recess time to support activities like food drives and glove drives, spreading kindness throughout their school.

“It’s amazing how these kids want to help others,” Lahammer said. He also trains other educators in his district on utilizing the curriculum effectively, creating a network of kindness advocates.

Lahammer received recognition as the first Kindness 101 National Teacher of the Year. The award was presented at a gala in Des Moines, Iowa, and will become an annual tradition.

Students have expressed their admiration for Lahammer, stating, “He makes me smarter and he makes me happier. He’s my whole world.”