Character | Kindness

For Middle and High School Students:

Film and Story about Dr. James Doty: Winner of the MY HERO 2018 Global Educator Award in support of his efforts to promote the value of compassion in education and in the world.

Find out how an unexpected act of kindness changed his life. 

"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention." - Kahlil Gibran

Discussion Questions and Activity Suggestions

1. Each of these films, and the story about James Doty, focus on acts of kindness, big and small. Has someone ever shown you a kindness that had a positive impact on your life? Share the story of that person's kindness and what it meant to you with MY HERO.

2.  Emma Cushman is an unsung hero who saved many children's lives during the Armenian Genocide. Which other unsung heroes have had a positive impact through their courage and kindness? Share their story with MY HERO.

This short film linked below, What if..., celebrates an the Illumination Foundation, who practices kindness to people in their greatest need.

"A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees." - Amelia Earhart

Discussion Questions and Activity Suggestions

1.  Melissa Blake, as well as Anna and Victoria Mendez, found ways to combat bullying. Are there organizations in your school or community that combat bullying? Share the story with MY HERO. 

2. Joneice was kind and took care of her sister. Has anyone been kind and looked after you or someone you know? Share his or her story of kindness with MY HERO. 

3. Jon Bon Jovi helps those in need with his JBJ Soul Kitchens and Daniel Goldberg created "Zoomers to Boomers" to help others. Are there any organizations that help those in need in your community? Share the story with MY HERO.  

4. What can you do in your community or school to help others or combat bullying? Create an action plan, get others involved and share your efforts with MY HERO. 

After watching the following PSA, New Together, students consider a time they were new to something to gain a better understanding of how a person immigrating from another country would feel.    

At the age of 5, Hannah saw a homeless man eating out of a garbage can. She had never seen a homeless person, let along anyone go to those lengths to feed themselves. Within a year, Hannah created the Ladybug Foundation to raise money to help end homelessness. Hannah selected the ladybug as her foundation’s mascot because ladybugs are considered good luck. She wanted this luck to transcend into her mission to help the homeless, whom she felt needed better luck.

As an eight year old girl carefully decides which lollipops to spend her hard earned pocket money on when she notices an old man at the counter ahead of her that is struggling to pay for the basics, bread and milk. See what she does instead of buying a treat for herself. 

Conner Long is nine years old and his little brother Cayden is seven. Cayden has cerebral palsy and is unable to walk or talk on his own. Like a good big brother, Conner was looking for a way to help his sibling join him in a sports activity so that he could feel the thrill of participation, such as running a race or catching a touchdown. Connor had an idea for a sport they could both participate in – triathlons! 

Discussion Questions and Activity Suggestions

1. Hannah Taylor was only 6 years old when she started the Ladybug Foundation to help the homeless. What is a cause you believe in? What issue would you like to make a positive contribution to? Share the story of your efforts with MY HERO.

2. Connor Long is an example of a boy who has gone out of his way for his younger brother. Who in your family goes out of their way to make life better for you or someone else? Share their story with MY HERO.

3. What project can you and your classmates or school do to promote kindness in your community or school? Share your project with MY HERO

4. Write a letter to someone to let them know you appreciate them. Thank them for something they have done for you.

We honor those quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate is at the core of the character trait of kindness. Please share your story about a hero you know who shows the character trait of kindness by signing the MY HERO Guestbook. 

Students in France participated in a MY HERO Call to Action project. They decided to concentrate in their school community and created an organizer of their efforts of being kind and helpful during the school year.

Then they created a film documenting their project. See their work below.