December's Random Acts of Kindness

December has been an amazing month in the Kindergarten classroom. I am blessed with your child's eagerness to spread love and kindness throughout our community. Our kindness interactions with friends, family, and community members has brought some of THE most rewarding experiences in my teaching career. Thank you for encouraging your child to embrace the importance of thinking about others and spreading the love. Please remember, that we hope to continue Random Acts of Kindness throughout our school, neighborhoods, and larger community throughout 2013. If your child and/ or your family complete a RAK, remember to document it with a photo (email me the photo), fill out a index card (found in front entryway near Conference Room door), and drop the index card in the white basket. We want to watch our school's RAK wall grow! Here are some highlights of our RAK adventures. Also take a look at the Random Acts of Kindness photo album (RAK '12) for many more photos and videos, too!


Our RAK Wall - Help us make it grow!


WW RAK - Holding doors open.


WW RAK - Delivering secret messages, puzzles, & coloring sheets to the other classes.


WW RAK - Delivering message & sweets to all WW families' mailboxes.


Preparing for RAK Day - Baking treats!


Preparing for RAK Day - Filling treat bags for UI college students.


RAK Day - A candy bar for our IC Transit - Towncrest bus driver.


RAK Day - Delivering treats to the ICFD.


RAK Day - Delivering treats to the ICPD.


RAK Day - Waving and giving a friendly hello to those we see.
Student Quote: "I love making people happy! Watch this (waves to gentleman). See! He just smiled!"


RAK Day - Delivering treats to our favorite ICPL children's librarians.


RAK Day - Handing out treats and "good luck" wishes to college students studying for finals.
Student Quote" Did you see their faces when I gave them a baggie? I think I made their day!"


RAK Day - Delivering treats to the UI Med School.


RAK Day - Delivering treats to the College of Public Health's IT Department


RAK Day - A group photo!


Oaknoll RAK Field Trip - Reading to our new friends!


Oaknoll Field Trip RAK - Reading to our new friends!

I must say that our Oaknoll field trip is one of the highlights of my career. It was the most amazing day, and I was so proud of our kiddos! The morning leading up to our field trip was full of pre-Winter Break eagerness, excitement, and sillies; however, the moment we arrived at Oaknoll the students showed the most beautiful level of respect and admiration for our elder friends. We all know that a new environment can make anyone nervous (especially a young five- or six-year old), but the WW Kindergarteners swallowed any nervousness or apprehension the may have had and were incredible guests. They read beautifully, interacted respectfully, were incredibly gracious with their words and actions, and a true bond was formed between young and old. I stood in the middle of the room and was moved to tears as I watched your child so beautifully interact with the elder residents. This, I must say, was the first time an educational interaction has brought me to such tears. Thank you for your wonderful child. This field trip was truly amazing. It was clear that we had made the day or month (maybe even the week or year!) of those elderly we visited. It was the most amazing experience and I am hopeful that we can make a return trip to Oaknoll in the coming months.