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Susan Garcia
A third-grader at Thomas L. Hatchett, Sr. Elementary School in San Antonio, Texas wrote this message about the value of performing acts of kindness for others.
After covering the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., NBC News’ Ann Curry wondered what could be done to ease the national suffering over the loss of 26 children and teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary. Why not, she tweeted, commit to doing one act of kindness for every child killed there? People responded — and wanted to up that to 26 acts of kindness for every child and adult lost at the school. Now people around the country are committing random acts of kindness — connected through the hashtag #26Acts (#20Acts and others are also trending). Get inspired: You can start your own acts of kindness right now.
Like many school teachers across the country, Susan Garcia was nervous. On the Monday after the unthinkable school massacre in Connecticut, how would she handle the inevitable tears and questions from her third-grade students? What could she possibly say?
Then she saw a tweet from NBC News’ Ann Curry. The tweet mentioned the idea of doing 26 acts of kindness in response to the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Garcia thought, “That’s it!”
“I knew this could be a way to spread positivity at our school and honor those victims,” said Garcia, 44, a teacher at Thomas L. Hatchett, Sr. Elementary School in San Antonio, Texas.
She sat down with her 8- and 9-year-old pupils on Monday and floated the idea of doing random acts of kindness throughout the week.
“They ran with it,” Garcia said. “They are SO excited.”
The kids enthusiastically began dreaming up thoughtful deeds they could do for teachers, students, school administrators, custodians, parents, siblings and others. Their ideas included:
- Give someone a hug.
- Give someone a smile.
- Meet someone new at recess and play together.
- Make Christmas cards for parents, teachers, custodians and others.
- Pick up some trash.
- Take someone’s tray for them at lunch.
Inspired by Curry’s original tweet, Garcia did some sleuth work online to find ways to make the random acts of kindness concept resonate with 8- and 9-year-olds. She found ideas on Pinterest and on the blog 3rdGradeThoughts.com, which ran a post about orchestrating Random Acts of Classroom Kindness at school and having students log their kind deeds on Random Acts of Classroom Kindness, or “RACK,” sheets.
Susan Garcia
Third-graders filled out "RACK sheets" like this one and logged their kind deeds throughout the week.
By the end of this week, Garcia’s class collectively completed 115 acts of kindness.
“They want to keep doing this in January after we come back from (winter) break,” Garcia said. “I told them, ‘We don’t have to stop! We can definitely keep doing it if we want!’
“We were all so shocked and devastated by what happened. This has been a way to turn it into a positive.”
Related stories:
- #26Acts of kindness you can do right now
- Inspired to act: #26Acts of kindness to honor those lost in Newtown, Conn.
- 'If you do good, you'll feel good': Ann Curry explains origins of #26Acts of Kindness
- Inspired to spread the word, man's #26Acts Facebook effort goes viral
- #26Acts of kindness: Nebraska woman spreads good will one dollar at a time
There are many questions about Friday's shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, but one being asked by just about everyone is how to best honor the victims. In Newtown and across the country, random acts of kindness are being performed in the memory of each person lost. NBC's Andrea Canning reports.
Leave a Comment:
It's a shame they're teaching children well meaning ineffectiveness.
Twenty six acts of kindness have not changed the law or gotten mental health counselling for anyone.
Stop teaching intellectual masturbation and start teaching civic action!
You're welcome!
I see you have teaching rudeness down.
If reality seems rude to you, you need to learn to deal with it.
Twenty six acts of kindness, seriously? Is there a twenty seventh or are they limited out? Aren't
parents and teachers supposed to teach kindness as a matter of course? Of course they are.
Everything on that list photographed should be done routinely, as a matter of co-operative
behavior. If those children need to be taught that, then one has to question how society has failed
in general. This is like praising them for breathing.
So sorry to collapse your Pollyannaish bubble.
Remember, change is what changes things, kindness is how you are supposed to live.
You're welcome.
ok... Go take ur meds
Poor, sweet, children.
Remember, to the NRA and the Reichwing, all that matters is money, "Christianity," and guns...not people.
Such innocent, simple souls.
Nice rebuttal. No substance, all snark.
Is that one of your "26 Acts"?
Or did your pets type that for you?
Or perhaps one of those mercury based water dipping birds? They're fun.
You, not so much.
Post 1.5 was addressing post 1.3, because they obviously need assistance.
Foreplinger you should crawl back under your rock. When you teach a child to be kind, you open a whole new world for them. If you expand those teachings beyond just 26 acts of kindness, then those children can change the world.
Most people are kind routinely. This program encourages mindful kindness, not just politeness...co-operative behavior. The items on the list are the children's ideas, so someone was teaching them. I think it is a marvelous civics lesson.
Miss Copper's Mom and Jean Netherton,
Kindly direct your attention to post 6.1.
You're welcome.
This is how we win in the face of such tragedy. I hope they keep going in January, February and the rest of their lives. We could all learn from these kids - a random act of kindness doesn't cost anything, doesn't take but a minute of your time, and means so much.
What if everybody decided to do 26 random acts of kindness within a month? Heck, for some people, it would be a stretch to do them within a year... but even that is a good thing. I think that I will start making more of an effort.
As God told Steve Baxter in Evan Almighty "Build me an ARK."
As later explained in the movie, A Random act of Kindness each and every day.
You don't have to stop at 26, you can do them every day of your life.
Some are as simple as holding a door open, smiling at a stranger, or even just saying "Hello."
The nice thing is, the recipient gets to say, "thank you, or Hello, or Hi" or smile back and TWO random acts of kindness or a smile and a hello from both sides 4 acts of kindness. Pretty soon, we are all being so kind, we won't need weapons that kill anymore.
Oh, right now, I have to apologize.
I didn't realize you were using an atrociously terrible movie to provide you philosophical guidance.
Sad, really.
Everything you mentioned should be done as a matter of course.
It's called "common courtesy".
You're welcome.
but somewhere in life it turns to random acts of selfishness.with age comes experience and disgust with your fellow human beings.
If you want to be defeated, that's the right attitude.
You're supposed to use patience, common courtesy and common sense.
It also doesn't hurt to listen and critically analyze what you've heard.
Doesn't hurt to be active either.
You're welcome.
Ok, ForePlinger.......what have you, as a matter of course, done today, or yesterday or the day before to bring a smile to someone's face, or helped someone in need, or as the article speaks of...an act of kindness. For someone who is decrying acts that help those to heal from this tragady, you might want to think a moment what your cynicism here says. It is almost like you are playing to both sides of the fence.....blasting those that want to do something, but at the same time blasting them because they don't do it "as a matter of course." Why not think of it as a vehicle for this country getting back to that place where civil discourse and behaviors become more human. Should it take this kind of tragedy to made people stop and think....no....but why put the collective desire to change down?
What I have done today is thanked politely and spoke words of appreciation to everyone who has
helped me. I made sure that I rendered assistance to anyone that needed it. I freely offered and
completed extra tasks to help others achieve their goals. And I replenished all the bird feeders even
though they can't thank me. As I do every day.
I'm "decrying" these acts, because they are a self indulgent, conceited panacea of slothful, indolent
eyewash. None of this is going to change the gun laws and the mental health service availability in
this country. And THAT is what needs to change! You want to feel good, write your elected
representative about changing the law. Here is a template for you to use:
Dear Mr./Mrs. (Your Representative/Senator Here),
In light of the increasing frequency of killings throughout the country characterized by the use of assault style/military grade weapons, I am corresponding with you today to urge you to support legislation to put common sense controls on the use of firearms in this country. It is past time for this problem to be addressed and stop the scourge of this type of violence from taking more innocent lives.
As an American, I am entirely cognizant of the effects of this type of weaponry. I will state, without qualification, this type of weaponry has no legitimate place within civic society. I firmly believe, that the onus of limiting these weapons falls upon you and your fellow elected representatives.
I respectfully request that you take the following legislative initiatives; 1) eliminate the gun show and internet loop holes on background checks, 2) eliminate the sale of assault style/military grade weaponry, 3) eliminate the sale of extended clips and speed loading devices, 4) legislate that firearms be registered in the same manner as motor vehicles with comprehensive written and skills demonstration before the issuance of any permits to own and operate firearms, 5) implement the mental health care equivalency provisions of the Affordable Care Act. I firmly believe that these steps will help increase public safety while at the same time respect the Second Amendment right of the nation’s citizenry. As you are aware, the Supreme Court has ruled that no rights are absolute and laws limiting fully automatic weapons and weaponry that launches explosive projectiles have been severely limited within the Second Amendment "umbrella" of the right to bear arms.
In conclusion, I hope you will initiate this common sense legislative effort in the next Congress and that with your diligence and constructive effort, we may achieve the safety and security our citizens deserve.
Sincerely, (Your Name)
I've already done it, and by gum, that's not cynicism, that's action.
People want to heal, you want to heal?; then do something REAL! Not something that should be
second nature because you should have learned it before you got to grade school!
You want to honor the memories of those in Newtown, Clackamas, Tuscon, Aurora, Virginia Tech just
to name a few? Then DO SOMETHING to make it stop. And doing what you should be doing on any
average day doesn't qualify.
Because if the laws don't change and the next tragedy occurs, as is inevitable: Where will your act
of kindness be then? I'll tell you where; another futile, feel good failure that did not stop the next
psycho-killer from obliterating his victims. You think about that. And don't forget to smile.
You're welcome.
fore plinger---this is about little children coping in their small way with this terrible tragedy. you've gone far afield of the subject at hand. the acts of kindness suggested by these children are what they can do to help and i find no reason to belittle their ''acts of kindness''. my act of kindness starts with wishing you a peaceful holiday season.
Thank you very much and the same holiday wishes to you.
Let me break it down for you:
1) Children should already be performing acts of kindness as a course of their upbringing.
Hopefully, we can agree on that.
2) Adults must take control of this situation by engaging their elected representatives in a
campaign to change the laws. See the letter in Post 6.1.
3) The way to help children cope is by having an honest discussion about the nature of the
law, why these weapons are prevalent and what their parents are DOING to change the
situation to help keep them safe. Even now, this story is receding in the ever on-rushing
tide of media overload and soon this too shall pass from children's minds, as have the ghosts
of Columbine or Virginia Tech.
My observation, with which many have taken umbrage, is that kindness should not be attached as
memento mori, but instead, should be the standard of behavior which is inculcated at the earliest
possible age. My disagreement with this program is it may make one feel good, but it doesn't
satisfy the need for concrete action, which had that happened in years past may have prevented
this tragedy. In my opinion, this is more optics than action, more emotions than intellect and more
reaction than result.
Yes, kindness is laudable, but let the Bard of Avalon put it in this perspective:
"To be or not to be: that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them?"
That's all I'm saying. Kids should be kind in any event and adults can help them out by telling them
how they're going to change things. And then changing them. Sets a good example for everyone.
Once again, you have a great holiday with your loved ones and a happy, healthy and prosperous
New Year.
You're welcome.
ForePlinger;
Unfortunately, the world has moved away from random acts of kindness as a way to live your life obviously when we see problems like we have in the world....don't you think anything kind to honor the victims is a worthwhile event? If it spreads like it seems to have spread, aren't we all a part of some small change in the world to make it a better place to be? And this teacher has taught her students how good it feels to make that small change, and they want to keep going with it. I think big change begins with small change. And with children, this is something that they will remember forever whether you believe that or not. So instead of being nasty on a comment wall, they are actually doing something. And have inspired me as an adult to do the same. That is change no matter how small. By the way, Merry Christmas and happiness and health to you in the new year, and may your life be touched by random acts of kindness as everyone's should be.
I would kindly ask you to draw your attention to post 6.1.
Holiday greeting and salutations to you and yours, may you have a safe and joyous holiday with all
the felicitous feelings of this time of year.
As your gift to me, please feel free to copy the correspondence in post 6.1 and engage your elected
representative in Congress.
I know you'll feel better about actually DOING something.
I also shared with my 5th grade students the 26 acts of kindness. I am so proud of my one student who said it should be 27 acts to include the mother as well. For my students it was a little way to do something about the tragedy. I told them that you can't change the whole world, but you can make a difference in your own little part of it. My students all wanted take part, and they shared with their families. Will all of them carry through? Probably not, but most of them will, and some will carry it through their lives. Even 10 year olds can make a small difference.
The question is:
Will their difference affect change?
Change that stops these killings?
Change that saves lives?
You can't put the onus of changing what needs to be changed, the law, on children by telling
them their normal, expected tasks have some extraordinary significance.
I'll ask this; when the next maniac slaughters more innocents, what are you going to tell those
children about the efficacy of their actions? Try 54 acts of kindness? Google plus infinity acts of
kindness? Adults and parents need to be actively engaging their representatives. Not sending
children on a delusional goose chase, that may, in the final analysis, damage them psychologically
if another killing occurs. Because you told them their act of kindness would change things; and if it
doesn't then where are they? You think about that. Seriously.
Living your life well is not a delusional goose chase, my sympathies to you if your really believe that. My students are not so stupid as to believe that by deliberately making their world a little better there will be an end to violence. No one has stated that a single person can end violence but with your attitude our society will continue in a downward spiral, with everyone only looking out for themselves. I would far rather live in a world with caring individuals instead being a person living in constant fear, if that could even be considered living. They, however, will be the voters of the future and perhaps will make better choices than we have because they care.
If this is your analysis, you completely missed my message in your rush to justify yours.
The message is simple:
1) Children should be taught kindness and courtesy as a normal matter of course, not as a special
task to memorialize tragic death.
2) It is incumbent on all ADULTS to change the LAW by engaging their elected representatives.
Failure to do this will GUARANTEE a repeat of the Newtown tragedy.
I posit to you, people who do not actively engage in matters to realistically CHANGE the world by
ACTION do not care, and their evincing of compassion is the rankest hypocrisy that could infest the
world. If you want to set an example for your students to "make better choices" as "voters of the
future", then by all means YOU do that. The letter in post 6.1 is available to copy, send it under your
name and have all your students sign beneath. Set an example of CONCRETE, RELEVANT ACTION, as
a teacher I would hope that would be your forte.
You're welcome.
U need help
You're welcome
I refer you to post 9.2.
You're welcome.
Thanks. I guess :/
Those who have responded to ForePlinger can cross off one of their acts of kindness. You have now given this person the attention that they so desperately seem to need. You're Welcome I'm sure.
I do realize that, but it also gave me a chance to make a point I believe in. I realize that things posted here will not change someone's opinion very often, but it might be something to consider for those who read the comments.
Super nice contribution. Really engaged the zeitgeist. Really, really just a power house of intellectually
driven insight. It's a shame you didn't share your wisdom earlier. Seriously, your heady combination of
no nothingness with moral superiority and an insouicant slouching resignation of total slackness
makes your contribution a veritable gem of the first water. You really reached the apex of the
nadir and have completely demonstrated the same depth and breadth of thought that made the
twelfth century the powerhouse of ideas for which it has been known.
Kudos, brava and don't lose any sleep over the things you won't do.
@sambrowno I realize that also. I wasn't critizing you or the others that responded to ForePlinger. Those who care so much about our children will say/do anything in our power to find a way to make our children feel safe and happy. Keep up the good work, I just don't have the stomach to respond to the ForePlingers of this world. My bad.
The stomach...or the intellect?
Whatever and ever, amen.
My, somebody is really using their thesaurus tonight. Snarky much? Not to mention artificially intellectual condecension. lol
No, didn't use the thesaurus, used the brain.
Have you tried it recently?
And it's condescension, TEACH!
But you knew that, I'm sure.
You're welcome.
I understand the ForePlinger could wear a little on the nerves with his/her percieved mightier than thou attitude and intelligence, but the person does have a point. This acts of kindness, how many ever numbers are involved, appears to be of the checklist variety without any real depth. It is kind of like, yep, got the "cleared the trash for someone else," now how can I "make someone smile," check. Foreplinger is right, kindness should not be something to check off a list, but should be a routine part of life. This is something parents should be teaching their children from birth. If kids are so excited to be being kind, than it hasn't been being taught, and that is a societal lapse that we need to deal with. Does it really take a mass killing to decide to be kind to the fellow man. If someone really wanted to show kindness towards their fellow man, child or adult, then make a sociological impact. For teachers, take your class to their capitol and watch a session. After that, have your children write letters to their congressman or woman about change. ForePlingers template is actually well written with great ideas. If you don't want to straight copy his/her's, than use the main points with some personalization. Their are plenty of opportunities here for teachers to make a profound impact if you want to work hard, but it is lost on the mundane and trite "acts of kindness." Plus, the acts of kindness aren't really that kind when you leave out two of the dead. If you really wanted to teach kindness, it would be the 28 acts of kindness. Show the killer, future killers, and the children that you can be kind even in the face of heinous and unfathomable acts. It probably was a lack of kindness that leads people like Lanza to commit these horriffic acts, so stop perpetuating the cycle. Although cliche, ask yourself, "What would Jesus do?" So stop being a hippocrit, and try to forgive like Jesus would.
Huskdog18:
Thanks for the kudos. If I come off as "mightier than thou" it because I'm just sick to death of seeing
these "touchy, feely" responses. After Columbine, after Virginia Tech, after Aurora, et. al., it's a
parade of failure that hasn't changed anything. And that is frustrating. Especially Ann Curry, who as a
journalist, should be in the fore of reporting what can be done to affect concrete change.
Thanks for your advocacy and I hope you join me in engaging our elected officials to get this
horrible situation corrected.
Have a great holiday season.
Thumbs up to the teacher and class.Don't stop now,Your' on a roll...
Most schools have outlawed hugs.