Character Development

Bryan Smith's Kindness Counts is a story about teaching random acts of kindness. These activities will help teach the importance of being kind to others, even when it isn't easy. Worksheets, games, discussion topics and group activities...

It's easy for kids to feel sad when bad things happen in their lives. This is especially true when boys and girls are bullied or picked on, or feel left out and isolated. Author and School Counselor Bryan Smith has developed four exercises to accompany...

Flexible thinking allows people to think about things in new ways or to incorporate new information into a specific plan or idea. Flexible thinkers are often able to come up with more than one solution to a problem or challenge. The ability to think...

From standing up to a bully to speaking up when you're struggling in school to sharing concerns with a partner when you're an adult to advocating for what you need or want in a job, self-advocacy has many benefits. But it takes practice! Award-winning...

Whether we are aware of it or not, we constantly compare ourselves to others. This lesson is designed to get students to view themselves apart from others and to judge only their own growth in comparison to their own self. From Tamara Zentic's 13 &...

Self-esteem is more than just body image or how an individual feels about his or her appearance. Self-worth is influenced and shaped by our minds (thoughts and intellect), our emotions, our values, and our relationships with other people. It is important...

Our society has become very child-centered, with many adult schedules revolving around children's schedules. Everything is done for the comfort of the child. Adults rescue them at every turn and try to make their lives perfect and wrinkle-free. Children...

The internet has become an integral part of our lives. It has improved communication speed and provides us a wealth of information right at our fingertips. However, it does have its drawbacks; making it easier for people to say negative things online...

Join in on the fun with an activity from Bryan Smith’s If Winning Isn’t Everything Why Do I Hate to Lose? Students will practice their sportsmanship skills during a coin flip game called “Don’t Flip Out.” Extend the...

Students will explore the value of tolerating differences in others by allowing students to visualize what our world would look like if we were all the same. This activity will emphasize the social skill of “Tolerating Differences in Others”...

Join in on the fun with an activity from Bryan Smith’s Is There an App for That? Students will visually see how they have similarities and differences with other students. This activity will teach students the difference between staying true...

This activity will allow students to clarify their values and beliefs by starting out the lesson listing the top 7 to 10 most important things in their lives. Once they think of what they are thankful for, they can build on that to identify their values...

Students will relate their social filters to a common household item as they review how to choose appropriate words to say and learn the act of kindness. This classroom exercise accompanies the storybook from the BEST ME I Can Be! series I...

This activity will allow students to research a product and read consumer comments and reviews based on their experience. Students will then evaluate the feedback given and decide if it is helpful or not. This is also a great opportunity to incorporate...

Activity #1 "SUPER E!" Saves the Day should be used with the storybook Empathy is My Superpower! After reading the story, use this activity to enforce the skill of showing empathy. The activity gives students scenarios that describe tough situations and...

Students will complete Random Acts of Kindness to help create an artistic display of a tree while learning the importance of applying compassion and kindness towards their peers. This activity can be done as a whole class, grade or entire school. The...