Kindness Journal SEL Workbook Social Emotional Learning Reflection Activities

This Kindness Journal is a social emotional learning workbook that helps students learn what kindness is, why it matters, and how it shapes the classroom, school and community. Students read, brainstorm, write, draw, plan and then actually complete acts of kindness, reflecting on how their actions affect others.

It is made for teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers, and the teacher information page notes it is especially helpful for upper elementary to high school students. Students think about what kindness looks like, sounds like and feels like, and how it can spread through a group. The opening reading pages connect kindness to warmth, care, compassion, empathy and consideration, and explain how it helps students feel more connected, supported and safe at school.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★★ “This worked perfectly with my Wonder PBL for 7th graders! A nice add on to our beginning of our project!” Jayme B.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE PDF)

• 1 Cover Page
• 1 Teacher Information and How-to-Use Page
• Introductory Reading Pages: what kindness is and why students should learn about kindness
• Lesson Plan Pages paired with the student journal pages throughout the workbook
• 1 Student Title Page
• What is Kindness? writing and drawing reflection page
• Brainstorm: "I Can" Show Kindness (six ways students can show kindness)
• Journal Entry: "I Can" Show Kindness
• Draw It! "I Can" Show Kindness At School
• Acts of Kindness reading page
• Tuning Into Acts of Kindness reflection page
• Story Strip: Acts of Kindness sequencing and drawing page
• I DID! An Act of Kindness reflection journal page
• Reporting Out: Acts of Kindness partner sharing and discussion page
• My Wishes for Kindness (classroom, school, community and world)
• My Dreams of Kindness: Brainstorm
• Draw Your Dreams of Kindness
• My Dreams of Kindness writing reflection page

HOW TO USE IT

Lesson plans and student worksheets alternate throughout the PDF. You can complete all of the journal pages or pick and choose the lessons you want. Photocopy the worksheets single-sided or double-sided, then staple, hole-punch or place them in binders or duo tangs as a workbook.

Use it for SEL lessons, character education, classroom community building, anti-bullying conversations, morning work, advisory, health, sub plans, homeschool SEL, or when you want to reset classroom tone and expectations. Students practice empathy, compassion, reflection, journal writing, discussion, sequencing and storytelling through drawing.

FAQ

Who can use this resource?

Teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers. It is especially helpful for upper elementary to high school students, as explained on the teacher information page.

Is this a workbook or can I use the pages separately?

Both. You can complete all or some of the pages, and it is easy to pick and choose which lessons you want to do.

Is this resource editable?

No. This resource is non-editable.

Does this resource include lesson plans?

Yes. Lesson plan pages are paired with the student journal pages throughout the PDF.

What SEL topics does it support?

Kindness, empathy, compassion, community building, reflection, mindful action and understanding how our actions affect others.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS

★★★★★ “Cannot wait to use this for my class. They are a challenging bunch who are struggling to get along with each other.” Kulbir N.

★★★★★ “Great for school-wide house teams and building kindness” Katie C.

★★★★★ “Needed a quick resource to work with a student. Great thanks” Allison R.

★★★★★ “LOVE this activity for my 6th grade small groups! The students really enjoyed the kindness brainstorm activity.” WiscoPawDesigns

★★★★★ “This is just what I was looking for to start my classes each day! Thank you!” Tara W.

★★★★★ “Great Resource!” Alison P.

★★★★★ “Great, thorough activity!” Carly G.

★★★★★ “Great Product! Thank you!” Christine H.

★★★★★ “I use this every year for the first month. It really is a great product.” Pineapples in 5th

★★★★ “My students are enjoying this resource.” Stacey N.

★★★★ “Loved this activity! My students loved the journal! thanks for sharing! What a great idea!” tracey b.

★★★★ “my kids needed a refresher on being kind! this was perfect!!!” Angela M.

Get free, classroom-ready art lessons and printables in my Free Art Lesson Library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist who has been featured on NBC LX News and was the featured cover educator in OCO Magazine for October 2025. She designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

Images and lessons are copyright products.

YOU MAY: use this resource as a single educator. Please purchase additional licenses if more than one teacher will be using it.

YOU MAY NOT: share, copy, upload, post online, distribute or resell this resource in any form.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic