Summary
Kindness in the Classroom, offered by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, provides a lesson-based approach to SEL. It includes programming for grades K-8 and demonstrates evidence of effectiveness at grades 4-5. Translated materials for Kindness in the Classroom are available in 100+ languages, including Spanish, French, Mandarin, and Arabic.
Strategies supporting educational equity (CASEL)
Kindness in the Classroom offers strategies for customizing for context and youth action projects. This includes materials for creating an ongoing student-led ‘Kindness Club’ and guidance for adjusting lessons and instructional practices to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Implementation
Below are key implementation details for this program. These specifications help determine if the program is a good fit for your school or organization.
Grade(s)
Elementary (K-5), Middle (6-8)
Setting
Classroom, Schoolwide, Home, Community
Language
English, Spanish, Additional Languages
Cost
Pricing available through provider
# Lessons
Ranges, ~24 per grade
Program Design
Tier 1 (Universal)
Technology Requirements
Unspecified
Staffing Requirements
Unspecified
Professional Development
Virtual, Train the trainer
Outcomes
Improved SEL skills and attitudes
Reduced Emotional Distress
Improved Identity Development/ Agency
Improved Academic Performance
Reduced Problem Behavior
Improved School Climate
Improved School Connectedness
Improved Prosocial Behavior
Improved Teaching Practices
Improved SEL Skills and Attitude
Evidence of Effectiveness
Results from an unpublished randomized controlled trial conducted in 2018 supported the effectiveness of Kindness in the Classroom with elementary school students. The evaluation included 586 students who were in grades 4 and 5 (83% spoke English as their 1st language and the average SES of the neighborhood in which the school was located was $58,054 (CAD)). This evaluation found that elementary school students who participated in the program had higher teacher and peer ratings of prosocial behaviors (i.e., teacher ratings = perspective-taking, gratitude, perseverance, intrinsic prosocial motivation, altruism, empathy, peer acceptance, and closeness; peer ratings = takes views), and engaged in less antisocial behaviors compared to students in the control group (outcomes reported 16 weeks after baseline while controlling for pretest scores). Self reports of students also revealed significant improvement in SEL skills and attitudes (perspective-taking, gratitude, perseverance, intrinsic prosocial motivation, altruism) for the treatment group over the control group.
Published Studies
Refer to the provided CASEL for the most up-to-date published studies.
Schonert-Reichl, K. A., Whitehead, J., Maloney, J., Binfet, J. T., & Roeser, R. W. (2018). Effectiveness of the Kindness in the Classroom Curriculum in Elementary School Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Unpublished manuscript.