A thoughtful compliment. A helping hand. A heartfelt thank-you. This November, our Social Skills program will explore kindness and gratitude as we celebrate World Kindness Day on November 13 and Thanksgiving.
Kindness puts empathy into action: noticing others, offering help, and showing respect. Gratitude means recognizing that care and letting others know it matters. Together, these skills help us build stronger connections.
Two activities to put kindness and gratitude into practice
The Secret Kindness Agent Challenge
Your mission: brighten someone’s day without seeking praise.
Set up the mission jar. Decorate a jar or box labeled “Kindness Missions.”
Add mission cards. Write a simple act of kindness on each slip of paper:
- Give someone a genuine compliment on a busy day.
- Leave an encouraging note for a family member or classmate.
- Help clean up without being asked.
- Invite someone sitting alone to join you at break or lunch.
Go undercover. Each client draws a secret mission at the start of the day or week. Focus on helping the recipient, not earning recognition.
Share and reflect. At the end of the day or week, discuss:
- What did you do, and how did the person respond?
- How did helping someone make you feel?
- What small act of kindness could you try next?
Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
Look around your space for everyday things worth appreciating. Find:
- Something soft that comforts you when you’re tired or sad.
- Something that smells good or brings back a happy memory.
- Something useful that makes a daily task easier.
- Something gifted or shared by someone who cares about you.
Share what you found and why it matters to you. If an item reminds you of someone, consider thanking them.
We wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends!
