Iowa school’s educational program aims to make kindness go viral
August 22nd, 2024 by Jim Field
Drake University in Des Moines is partnering with C-B-S News to offer educational programming designed to bring lessons on good character and kindness to teachers and students around the world — for free. Amy Smit, spokeswoman for Character Counts and Drake’s Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, says the web-based “Kindness 101” features short videos from C-B-S reporter Steve Hartman’s “On the Road” series.
The three-minute videos include lesson plans, activities, and family connections focused on the Six Pillars of Character, and Smit says they’re appropriate for any grade level.
The program isn’t just for Iowa teachers, but teachers anywhere on the planet, and Smit says they’re hoping Kindness 1-0-1 snowballs in popularity.
Smit says it’s very helpful for students to see role models who are demonstrating character and kindness in their daily lives.
Hartman launched Kindness 101 as schools closed for the pandemic in 2020. It was nominated for a News Emmy that same year, and has since been adapted into a weekly series for “CBS Mornings.” Smit encourages everyone, especially parents, to log on for free.