Amy Ludwig VanDerwater joins us to talk about her book The Sound of Kindness. This is a delightful conversation about ways to help children process tough times and how to keep our own lights alive.
Links Mentioned
The Poem Farm
Amy's Website
Amy's First Post for National Poetry Month 2025: Hello, My Name Is
The Sound of Kindness
Magination Publisher
Life is in the Transistions by Bruce Feiler
"Kindness" by Naomi Shihab Nye
Timeline
00:00 The Power of Kindness in Education
07:40 Creating a Culture of Kindness
11:58 The Importance of Storytelling and Connection
15:52 The Power of Kindness in Education
18:51 Engaging with Creative Projects
Key Takeaways
- The sound of kindness can transform classroom dynamics.
- Engaging students in kindness projects fosters a positive culture.
- Storytelling is a powerful tool for teaching empathy.
- Children can take on roles that promote kindness, like "kindness detectives."
- Poetry can help children process their emotions and experiences.
- Paying attention to kindness can shift focus from negativity to positivity.
- Creating a supportive environment encourages students to express themselves.
- Literature can provide valuable lessons on navigating life's challenges.
- Maintaining hope is essential for both educators and students.
- Kindness and creativity are interconnected in the learning process.
