Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on unique ways on teaching children kindness. Teaching children kindness is a character trait that every parent will need to nurture in their children. Furthermore, there are many ways to instill and discuss kindness. However, today we’re going to focus on teaching children kindness through gardening.
So, gardening is a unique concept, but there are many lessons to be learned through gardening. It has additional benefits including exposing your child to nature, leaning self-sufficiency by growing your own food, and enjoying nature’s beauty by growing beautiful flowers. Flowers are also beneficial to growing fruit, vegetables and flowers.
Teaching Children Kindness:
Teaching Children Kindness Through Gardening Videos
Videos: If You Plant a Seed
Wanda’s Roses
Snacks:
Vegetable Dip and Veggies
Peanut Butter Celery
Kindness Coloring Pages and Activities
Worksheets:
If You Plant a Seed
Wanda’s Roses
Vegetable Coloring Pages
Kindness Coloring Pages
Children’s Kindness Activities:
Bake Zucchinni bread for our troops
Make cards with flowers for a local nursing home
Visit a Community Garden
Make a flower pot gift for grandma or a neighbor
Grow a pot of carrots or strawberries
First, lets start with the book If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson. This book is an excellent way to teach young children about kindness and sharing. Additionally, the book is appropriate for preschoolers to 3rd grade, and is read by Story Time With Michele Lepe. Set aside approximately 10 minutes to watch the video.
Next, prepare a vegetable snack of carrots, cucumbers and dip or celery and peanut butter pieces for the kids. Discuss the book with them to ensure they understand what took place.
Teaching Children Kindness Through Gardening
Additionally, here’s a few questions that you can ask from the stories. I’ve created a worksheet on the stories for the older kids to answer questions. Interacting verbally with the younger kids will suffice:
- What vegetables did the rabbit and mouse plant? Tomatoes, carrots, and cabbage?
- Who showed up to enjoy the treats the rabbit and mouse planted? Birds.
- So, what happened when the rabbit and the mouse refused to share with the birds. They fought and ruined all the vegetables. (Seeds of selfishness were planted).
- When the rabbit and mouse shared their treats, what happened? Seeds of kindness were planted. The birds were thankful for the food. So, they helped plant more vegetables and they had a bigger garden and harvest for everyone.
- What was the sweetest fruit? The fruit of kindness.
- Finally, the bigger garden was filled with what vegetables and flowers? (Garden of Kindness)? Corn, carrots, tomatoes, cabbage and sunflowers.
Additionally, while you’re having your snacks discuss the fact that the vegetables they are eating were grown in a garden just like the tomatoes, carrots and cabbage, corn and sunflowers in the story.
Have the kids complete the Fruit of Kindness Garden Assignment. What would they would plant in their Fruit of Kindness Garden.
Kindness Books for Children:
In addition to If you Plant a Seed, Wanda’s Roses by Pat Brisson teaches kindness too. The story is read by Story Time with Ms. Loewen. It is appropriate for ages 5 – 8. Here are a few questions to ask the kids after listening to the story:
- Where did Wanda find the rosebush? In an empty lot.
- Why did Wanda think it was a rosebush? The thorns.
- What did Wanda do to give the rosebush more sun and air? She started to clean up the lot by removing the trash.
- How did all of the neighbors help Wanda with the lot? They all helped to clean it up.
- Sadly, the rosebush did not bloom. What did Wanda do when her bush did not bloom? She made roses from paper and invited the neighbors to have a tea party.
- What did the neighbors bring to the tea party? Rosebushes.
- What did Ms. Jones bring to the party? Muffins
- Ask the students to talk about a kind act they did for a friend, neighbor or family member or one that a friend, neighbor or family member did for them.
So, teaching kindness should start early and done in a manner that kids can understand and relate. The best way is to lead by example. Download the Kindness Activities for kids.
– Next, this book teaches children the six rules of cell phone usage. The rules teach them how to stay safe, but it also teaches them not to hurt others.
– Noodle decides to cheat so he can win. He has decided that everyone has to cheat once in a while. What’s the harm? Children will learn a lesson about cheating. Ages 5 – 9.
– Penny tries to hang with the Coin Clique, but sometimes feels left out. Quarter and Half Dollars are best friends. So, they do everything together. But they tell Penny she isn’t worth much. However, Dollar helps Penny see her value. Penny learns to feel beauty on the inside and out. Ages 4 – 8.
– Jean the fork hates taking a bath in the sink or in the dishwasher. She doesn’t understand why the other forks are being used and not her. The other forks, knives and spoons don’t want to be around her. She talks to the can opener, and he explains the importance of hygiene. Ages 4 – 7.
– Brad loves to one up people. For example, a student wins a contest. Brad tells how he won a bigger contest. Another student breaks his arm. Brad said he broke both arms and both legs. This book teaches the importance of pulling people up, not one upping them. Ages 5 – 8.
– RJ has to sit in the time-out chair a lot. Without asking permission, he walks home instead of taking the bus. Later he gets on his dad’s computer without asking. His dad teaches RJ the importance of asking permission. This leads to less time in the time out chair. Ages 4 – 11.
– Every Sunday CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town to church. CJ wonders why they don’t own a car, why he doesn’t have an iPod, and why they get off in the dirty part of town. His grandma helps him see the beauty in their trip and everything around them.
– Noodle thinks life stinks. Homework, practice and family pictures stinks. His negative attitude is alienating everyone. Noodle learns to turn his have tos into get tos. Ages 5 – 8.
– A Storm is Brewing. Levi doesn’t tell the truth. He just makes up stuff. His mother explains that each lie that he tell starts a storm inside. She explains that telling lies damages trust. Ages 4 – 8.
– Louis has a hard time not interrupting. It seems his words wiggle and jiggle, he erupts and than interrupts others. He mouth is like a volcano. This book teaches children to hold their words and wait for their turn to talk. Ages 5 – 8.
– This book is about a cake that’s not so sweet. As a result, this cake never says please, thank you or listens to its parents. A lesson about manners and bullying is taught. Even the rudest cake can change. Ages 3 – 5.
– Also, Ricky steals. He takes things that don’t belong to him. But he learns how it feels when he has something stolen. Ricky learns to use the good in him to return the items that he stole. The book teaches empathy. Ages 5 – 8.
– Another one of our character building books teaches children to understand that table manners are about more than what fork to use. Table manners also include being respectful, considerate of others and sharing feelings. Ages 8 – 12.
– Next, RJ’s having another bad day. His teacher wants him to work with bossy Bernice, messy Frankie, and Norma (who just sits and picks her nose) on a report about Egyptian mummies. After a frustrating school day with his “team,” RJ goes home to find only one cookie left in the jar. And his mom makes him share it with his sister! With the help of his coach, RJ learns that working as a team and sharing are skills needed not just on the soccer field, but in school and at home too! Ages 5 – 12.
– So, everyone at school is wearing a pair of the latest shoes. Jeremy wants a pair, but his grandmother tells him they can only afford what they need. Jeremy soon realizes that his grandmother is right. He has warm boots, a loving grandma and a good friend. They’re worth more than the latest shoes. he wants. Ages 5 – 8.
– Our character building books include Bully B.E.A.N.S. It is a fun story that teaches people of all ages to become proactive when it comes to bullying. This book can help children and adults understand why bullying happens and what they can do to stop it. Ages 5 – 8.
– Lester has a funny name. His nickname is Soda Pop Head. But, when Soda Pop Head gets upset his ears get hot, his face turns red and he blows his top. Fortunately, Lester’s dad teaches him to cool down before he blows his top. Soda Pop Head learns to control his anger and manage stress.
– Unfortunately, One-of-a-Kind” is laughed at by Purple. Purple thinks One-of-a-Kind is weird. Green playfully calls One a klutz after tripping on the stairs. Is he Tease Monster to blame? Mom teaches about the Tease Monster. Not all teasing is the same. Mom teaches that laughing at someone (mean teasing) is hurtful, but laughing with someone is alright.
– Our first Easter books for kids is Papa Bear uses an Easter egg, an uprooted tree, and evidence of new life in a pine cone to tell the Easter story. He explains how Jesus was the root of Jesse who came to die and to rise again. He explains that Jesus died for us so that we would have the chance to go to heaven. Ages 3 – 7.
– Grandpa Pig sets up and Easter egg hunt for Peppa Pig and her friends! There’s Peppa, Rebecca Rabbit, and Freddy Fox. They search for chocolate eggs and even see baby chicks hatching. Ages 3 – 5.
– Next, Pinkalicious wakes up on Easter morning. She finds a note from the Easter Bunny that sends the Pinkerton family on an Easter scavenger hunt. Ages 4 – 8.
– Additionally, it’s Easter in Radiator Springs! Mater can’t wait for the Easter Buggy to fill his tire with goodies. But Lightning McQueen is worried that Mater’s Easter holiday will be ruined when Mater wakes up to find that his Easter tire is empty.
– “Twas the night before Easter, just before dawn, Not a creature was stirring out on the lawn.” A twist on The Night Before Christmas. Ages 4 – 8.
– The Wilkinson’s have a new goose. Amazingly, it quacks, clucks, moos and lays golden eggs. The boys think the golden Easter eggs will be perfect for throwing at his sisters.
– So, the Easter Bunny comes each year with a basket of painted eggs and chocolates for the children. But not everybody knows where he comes from. Here’s the story of the Easter Bunny. Ages 4 – 8.
– Town mouse Clayton and country mouse Desmond team up to build the biggest Easter basket ever. Ages 4 – 8.
– This book features Easter with Mater, Lightning McQueen, and all of their friends from Cars! Ages 3 – 7.
– Funny book on how to catch the Easter Bunny. Ages 4 – 10.
Will Zoey Flower be able to stay awake so she can catch the Easter Bunny? She wants to prove that he is real once and for all. Ages 4 – 8.
– Furthermore, Minnie Mouse and the rest of the Bow-Tique gang plan an Easter parade so she can show off her most outrageous and spectacular bows. Ages 3 – 6.
– Marshmallow the rabbit moves into Oliver the cat’s home. Oliver is not very welcoming, but the bunny charm’s him into becoming his friend. Ages 4 – 8.
– Join a troop of animal friends as they bounce along to the Easter Parade. Ages 2 – 4.
– Next, Emma’s is celebrating Easter with her family. They go to church and hunt for Easter eggs and candy. Additionally, the have a big meal with family. Find out the different ways people celebrate Easter.
– Last, The Country Bunny is the mother of twenty-one children. However, she is awarded the position of Easter Bunny. Find out how this busy mother manages. It’s a great Easter book for kids.
– First, Linden is in the third grade and he’s having a bad day. His brother gives him a hand, he get encouragement from his parents, and inspiration from God. He soon learns that he can do anything with a little help and encouragement. Ages 4 – 7.
– This book includes 4 poems/short stories about the life of an African-American boy. The poems are about family love, stories from the generations and symbols that have connected the generations. Ages 2 – 5.
– This is a true story. This books tells the story of racial discrimination in 1955. At that time only one black chapter existed in Charleston, SC. The coaches selected a 14 member all star team. They had dreams of playing the state tournament; however, all of the white teams withdrew rather than play them. Great opportunity for your child to learn about racism in America. Ages 7 – 9.
– The infamous Debbie Allen is the author of this book. Reverend Knight has twelve sons. He can’t figure out how all of their sneakers are torn to shreds every morning. The boys won’t tell because they know he won’t approve of their nightly dancing. Their nanny finds out what they’re doing, but she keeps the secret. Ages 4 – 8.
– The story of Lebron James. Ages K- 6.
– The story focuses on a little boy and his grandma. Ages 2 – 5.
– Swift Walker speedy legs take him on a journey that’s out of this world. Join him on his journey and learn about the planets and our solar system. Ages 4 and up.
– Next, Peter has a new baby sister. His parents paint his old cradle pink. Than they paint his crib paint. Now they want to paint his chair. Will Peter disapprove? Ages 3 – 7.
– Rufus Mayflower wants to save on toothpaste. Amazingly, he bets that he can make a gallon for the price of one tube. As a matter of fact, Rufus develops a production plan with help from his good friend Kate MacKinstrey. Amazingly, Rufus makes more than a gallon. He makes a million! The story contains math problems too. Ages 10 – 12.
– EllRay Jakes is tired of being bullied by Jared Matthews. So, EllRay tries to defend himself. However, he winds up in trouble. His dad makes him a deal. If he can stay out of trouble they will go to Disneyland. Can Ellray stay out of trouble? Ages 6 – 8.
– Roberto is excited because his big brother Miguel is going to walk him home from school. However, Miguel forgets and plays basketball with his friends. Roberto is hurt and angry, so decides to walk home alone. How will Miguel make amends? Ages 5 – 6.
– Archie wants to enter a pet show, but his pet runs away. How can he enter the pet show with no pet? Fortunately, Archie thinks on his feet so he can win a prize. What was his solution? Ages 3 – 7.
– Louie has to move to a new neighborhood and leave his friends behind. So, he creates a scene out of a shoebox one day while playing alone. It has a magical effect, calling his imagination back to old friends, old times.
– Furthermore, Malcolm X was one of America’s most influential people. This book was written by his daughter. Ages 9 – 12.
– Marvin and Malcolm Murphy work at their family’s dog salon after school. It’s called The Fancy Schmancy Perfect Pet Salon. One day Malcolm discovers that if he puts paint in the soap, it will change colors. Soon the bulldogs, schnauzers, pugs and poodles are all different colors. What will they do? Ages 4 – 9.
– Reverend Daniel Joseph Jenkins opened his orphanage in Charleston, South Carolina. Soon he had hundreds of children; however, he had no way to support them. Reverend Jenkins asked people in the town to donate instruments. He worked to find teachers who would teach the children how to play. His idea was a success. 
– Miami Jackson can’t wait to be over. His teacher will be leaving for Ghana and his enemy, Destinee Tate, is bothering him. Also, Miami finds himself keeping secrets from his best friend. Miami can’t wait for summer. Ages 6 – 9 . Miami Jackson is a series of books.
– Additionally, Richard has been invited to a friend’s birthday party. But a note sent home by his teacher may change ruin his plans. Why, because he didn’t do his homework. He meant to, but he became distracted. Will he be able to show off his Ollies or will he be grounded? Ages 6 – 9.
– Ziggy and his friends Rico, Rashawn, and Jerome call themselves The Black Dinosaurs. They build a clubhouse in Ziggy’s backyard. While building the clubhouse, they find a box of bones. Who could have buried a box of bones behind their clubhouse? Ages 8 – 12. Clubhouse Mysteries is a series of books.
Home Court – Amar’e Stoudemire has a lot going on. He loves skateboarding in the park, he loves doing his homework, and helps with his dad’s landscaping company. Additionally, Amar’e liked to play basketball. A group of older kids start disrespecting him and his friends on the basketball court. Amar’e decides to step and use his athletic skills and intelligence to save the day. Most importantly, he realized that basketball was his true passion. Based on a basketball great Amar’e Stoudemire life.
– Unfortunately, Julian is a fibber. He is great at telling stories and getting people to believe him. Especially his younger brother. Unfortunately, some of Julian’s stories lead to trouble. Ages 6 – 9.
– Last, ten-year-old Justin is frustrated that his sisters and mother are always fussing at him. They make him feel stupid because he can’t clean his room or cook. Fortunately, Justin’s grandfather invites him back to his ranch for the summer. Can Justin catch a greased pig at the rodeo? Furthermore, can Justin learn to bake biscuits? Justin soon learns that he can do anything once he learns how. Ages 8 – 12.
– First, Anges Morley was raised on a cattle ranch. She was sent to Stanford University where she trades in her spurs for a basketball. She leads her team to victory against the University of California at Berkeley, and makes history. Ages 6 – 9.
– A girl and her father create a window box as a birthday present for her mother. Ages 4 – 7.
– Dana and the rest of the Raiders gymnastics team must learn how to deal with their biggest rivals, the Superiors. Ages 8 – 11
– Emi is a creative 7-year-old girl who shares a positive message about her curly, cotton candy hair. Great message to teach little girls about their natural hair. Ages 7 – 12.
– Next, sugar lives on the River Road sugar plantation in Mississippi. Slavery is over, but Sugar must work in the fields since both of her parents are dead. She finds joys playing with a forbidden friend, the plantation owner’s son. Ages 9 – 12.
– Sassy wants to be a ballerina. Will her big feet, long legs and her big mouth stop her from reaching her dream? Ages 4 – 8.
– Educational books should be a part of the fun as well. This book is about 14 African American innovators who played important roles in scientific and industrial progress. Ages teen and young adult.
– It’s Maddy’s first summer in the bayou. She’s a city girl, but she falls in love with the fireflies, trees and the water. Ages 8 – 12.
– Furthermore, we have a book based on the experiences of being African American and feeling different from the other children. Many will be able to relate to the struggle of trying to fit in. Ages 4 – 8.
– Daddy’s Little Princess educates young children, helps build their self-esteem, and inspire them. Most images of princesses and queens are not images of African Americans. This book introduces them to real-life African Queens and Princesses in all shades. Ages 4 – 10.
– Sam is bully. He makes Jayla feels threatened because he has bullied her because she loves astronomy and stars. He starts to bully her friends too and tries to get Jayla to bully them too. Ages 5 – 9.
– Misty Copeland encourages an African American girl who wants to be a ballerina, but is discouraged by low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. Ages 6 – 8.
– This is the third book in a series. The Gaither sisters, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern, head to the rural south to visit their grandmother, Big Ma, in Alabama. They leave Brooklyn behind and have a lifetime of fun. The first two books are One Crazy Summer and P.S. Be Eleven. Ages 8 – 12. 
– The true story of four African-American female mathematicians at NASA. Ages 8 – 12.
– A little girl takes a trip to the park with her mother. She hears a rhythm coming from the butterflies, the ice cream vendors and the world around her. She can’t contain herself, she breaks out in a dance. Ages 2 – 5.
– Next, we have a little girl who wears her favorite dress on Tuesdays. One Tuesday morning, she discovers that her favorite dress is too short. She is so disappointed, but her mother turns her favorite dress into a ruffly shirt. Her favorite dress becomes her favorite shirt. Ages 5 – 7.
– Furthermore, if your into mysteries you must read Katie Fry. She loves to solve mysteries. When she finds a lost kitten, she decides to find the owner. This book is one in a series. Ages 6 – 8.
– Lola is very happy. On Tuesdays, Lola and her mother go to the library. She enjoys the walk, checking out books, story time and the special treats she gets with her mother. Ages 2 – 5.
– Misty Copeland was the first female African-American principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. Most importantly, she’s been breaking down barriers ever since. Ages 8 – 12.
– Mixie has a black father and a white mother. People are always asking her what she is. She decides to embraces her uniqueness and be the best “Me” she can be. Ages 4 – 8.
– Additionally, we didn’t leave our disabled children. Zulay is blind, but she doesn’t let that stop from doing everything she wants to do. She has three best friends who are in her first grade class. They are study the same things. Find out what they are. Ages 4 – 8.
– Nikki and Deja live next door to each other. They do everything together, including watching Saturday morning cartoons, playing jacks, jumping rope and playing during recess. Additionally, they are in Mrs. Shelby’s third class. So, they help each other with homework. Everything is great until a new girl arrives. Ages 4 – 7.
– Last, Penny struggled with why her hair was different from her friends. She wanted to wear her hair straight too, but her mother told her that her hair was perfect just the why it was. Her mother fixes her hair in two magic puffballs. Let the fun begin. Ages 4 – 8.
– First, Clayton and Desmond enter a contest to build a snowman. Their efforts just don’t seem to be working. So, they join forces to build the biggest snowman ever. Hurray for team work. Ages 4 – 8.
– Nikki drops his white mitten in the snow, but doesn’t realize it. It’s hard for him to find because of the white snow. As a result, the woodland animals help him search for it. Ages 1 – 3.
– A little girl sees tracks outside her window. She decides to follow the tracks only to realize that the tracks are hers from the day before.
– The children of this snow-clad chalet village build two huge snowmen. Ages 4 – 7.
– This gingerbread girl has licorice hair, and an awesome plan to outsmart the fox. Ages 2 – 5.
– Ollie is given his first pair of real skis, and sets off on an adventure. He meets lots interesting people including Ms. Thaw. Ages 3 – 6.
– Sneezy the Snowman is cold. He decided to warm up by drinking some cocoa, sits in a hot tub, stands near a fire and than melts. But children decide to build him back up. Ages 6 – 8.
– The weatherman depicts snow. Snuggling on the sofa with hot chocolate, building a snow fort, snowballs and sledding are in the future. Ages 5 – 8.
– Check out all of the objects that can be used to decorate snowmen. The book is beautifully illustrated. Ages 3 – 8.
– Additionally, there’s a snow globe on the mantel in a family’s home. Inside the snow globe is a family waiting for someone to shake the globe so there will be a blizzard. Will a family member shake the globe? Who will it be? Ages 6 – 8.
– A bunny rabbit steals a snowman’s story book when he falls asleep. The snowman wants his book back. Get ready for a chase! Ages 3 – 7.
– Have you wondered what snowmen do at night? They may loose buttons, an arm or their carrot nose, but nobody knows how. Find out about the secret life of snowmen in this exciting book. Ages 4 – 7.
Ages 3 – 5.
– Tacky’s behavior annoys his friends. They are prime and proper, however, Tacky is not. But his strange behavior saves the day. Thereafter, they see him differently. Ages 4 – 7.
– Akiak is the lead dog on a team of Huskies. As usual, she head ups the team. But she hurts her paw and has to be removed from the race. Fortunately, Akiak doesn’t know that she’s been disqualified. Although she has been disqualified, she continues to run beside her team. Ages 5 – 8.
– Bear Country (Berenstein Bears) becomes a winter wonderland. Ages 4 – 7.
– Eloise’s nanny decides to take her and Weenie ice-skating! Weenie is a dog. But can dogs ice-skate? Ages 6 – 8.
– In another story, the first ten days of winter bring special gifts for a special friend. I wonder what they are? Ages 3 – 6.
– This book is great for our science lovers. It discusses snowflakes how they are formed, different regions and they snow received, and how to prepare for a snow storm. Ages 6 – 9.
– Pauline and her little brother, John-John, decide to open a lemonade stand in the winter. It’s unusual, so will they be able to sell their cold drink? Ages 3 – 7.
– Next, Lars goes hunting with his father, but he is so tired from the day’s activities he falls asleep. As a result, he doesn’t hear the ice crack. Unfortunately, he drifts away from his father and the North Pole. Will he be able to find his way back?
– Max and Molly Beckett are brother and sister. As usual, they are looking forward to their annual ski weekend with their grandfather on Powderhound Mountain. Ages 4 – 7.
– Last, Olivia and her classmates have been assigned to build the best snowman for the town’s Winter Festival. They decided to build a snowlady instead of a snowman.
. It’s fun and the illustrations are engaging. This would be a great bedtime story or when you just want to snuggle up and spend family time.
– This book is about multi-cultures and diversity. It is appropriate for ages 5 – 8 years and has 40 pages.
– So, this book is about a wave named Roland who’s afraid that, one day, when he hits the beach, his life will be over. It is appropriate for ages 4 – 8 and has 68 pages. Jim Carrey won the 2013 Gelett Burgess Children’s Book Award for this book.
– This book is about 12-year-old Randi Rhodes. Randi loses her mother at age 12. She is an aspiring detective and has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. She finds satisfaction in solving crimes anonymously. The book is appropriate for ages 8 – 12 and has 240 pages.
– Next, this book is about a little girl named Tallulah. All her life, Tallulah has heard DON’T. Don’t get dirty, talk loudly or wear jeans. With the help of friends, she finds out who she really is. This book is appropriate for ages 4 – 8 and has 32 pages.
– This book is Mario and his cousin Gia. Mario’s Nana asks him to babysit his cousin Gia while she bakes. There’s a lesson learned, a family is built on love and care. This book is appropriate for ages 3 – 5 and has 32 pages.
– Additionally, this book is about Alexandrea who has just moved from Georgia to New York City’s Harlem. Al finds herself in the classroom at the Nutcracker School of Ballet as the Sugar Plum Fairy and has stage fright. Friendship, lots of practice, and ingenuity help her to overcome her stage fright and she gives an unforgettable performance. This book is appropriate for ages 1 and up and has 160 pages.
– This book is about Poppy the pig. Poppy goes to the World Games ice-skating championship in Paris! She meets new friends from around the world and explores Paris with her family after the championship.
