Even though it wasn’t a standard given to me by the county, one of my favorite things to teach every year is kindness. The best part is that it’s something that’s more caught than taught, and I’ve found that using read aloud books focused on kindness is the most effective way to “teach without teaching”.
We all learn best through stories that put us in the shoes of the characters, and I’ve gathered some of my favorite books that help students think about kindness. This list has a focus on teaching kindness to primary grades (K-3rd). Checkout the list, #9 has some of my favorite illustrations and is sure to warm your heart!
X. Fang’s 2024 read aloud book, We Are Definitely Human, is a fresh and funny take on teaching kindness. Three aliens appear on Earth and do not expect what they find – kind humans. Humans who are accommodating, helpful and teach them all about living on Earth. With vibrant colors and humorous illustrations all your students will love this read aloud!
Despite being a book with no words, Kerascoet’s I Walk with Vanessa is a “read aloud” that will blow your students away! The simple pictures are easy to follow and serve as a great lesson for comprehension. They depict the story of a new student who is not greeted in the most kind way, but one simple act can change her entire trajectory.
The Invisible Boy is a heartwarming story that won’t leave a dry eye in your room! Justin is invisible, or at least that’s how it feels. Being left out can feel awful, but it only takes one person to turn everything around. This read aloud will spark meaningful conversations about inclusion and help you build a stronger, kinder classroom culture.
Trudy Ludwig sure knows how to write a read aloud book focused on kindness! The Power of One shows in both words and pictures how every act of kindness counts. The story begins with an unkind act, and shows, with simple words, how small actions can create a chain effect that makes a big difference! Ludwig ends the book with ways to “plant seeds of kindness in your community.” It is a great read aloud book to brainstorm kindness activities with your class. The author even suggests other websites to empower your students to spread kindness!
This is the second in a series by author Ibtihaj Muhammad which explores social emotional content in a beautiful way. The Kindest Red is a read aloud book that will show your class how to build a world they would like to see- a kinder world. Jada has been spreading kindnesses all day, but what happens when Jada herself needs a little extra support? Your students will be sure to build a better world after this book!
”What does it mean to be kind anyway?” When a classmate is in an embarrassing situation, a child ponders how to make them feel better. We all know we should be kind, but sometimes it’s difficult to know how. Pat Zietlow Miller’s “Be Kind” gives great, real world examples that your students can immediately put into practice.
This multi-award winning book is a beautiful reminder of the kindness that exists all around us every day. CJ and his Nana are on the bus on a rainy day. She continually points out that the world is not such a gloomy place when you share your time and talents with others. This read aloud will leave your students ready to share some kindness with the world!
Have you ever wanted something so badly and just couldn’t afford it? Jeremy wants a new shoes, but he only has money for the things he needs. Jeremy learns a lesson in kindness when he discovers another student in his class also needs new shoes. This is a very relatable story that can easily be used to teach many reading standards as well as kindness.
“When life gets dark as winter’s night, share some kindness, bring some light.” This message is at the forefront of this kindness read aloud. Bear worries that no one in the forest knows that he is a good, kind bear. Despite bringing his neighbors gifts, they still aren’t quite sure about him. It isn’t until he shows a true act of kindness that they start thinking differently. This read aloud will warm every heart in your classroom and even includes activities on the author’s website.
Strong as stone is a unique kindness read aloud book. The main character, who lives during prehistoric times, must be strong and brave to help save her father. Little does she know, however, that kindness is the ultimate power! Be prepared to fall in love with “Strong as Stone” by Christopher Browne.
I hope these books help you cultivate a positive classroom community as we all help the kiddos in our class become better people each and every day. As a teacher, thank you for what you do and all the ways that you are changing lives! If you use any of these read aloud books in your classroom or have read them before let me know in the comments below – I’d love to hear how it goes!
