If you are an educator, school leader, or parent looking for meaningful ways to build community and positivity, the Great Kindness Challenge is one of the most impactful opportunities of the school year. Schools across the country participate annually, using this global initiative to intentionally promote kindness, empathy, inclusion, and respect among students of all ages.
What Is the Great Kindness Challenge?
The Great Kindness Challenge (GKC) is a global, week-long initiative that encourages students to complete intentional acts of kindness at school, at home, and in their communities. It was created by Kids for Peace and has since grown into a worldwide movement, reaching millions of students each year.
At its core, the Great Kindness Challenge invites students to:
- Practice empathy and compassion
- Build positive peer relationships
- Create inclusive school environments
- Reflect on how small actions can make a big difference
Most schools participate by using a kindness checklist, classroom discussions, school-wide activities, and reflective exercises.
When Is the Great Kindness Challenge?
The Great Kindness Challenge typically takes place during the last full week of January each year. This year will be held January 26th -30th and it will be the 15th annual challenge. Many schools choose this time intentionally, as it follows the holidays and aligns well with social-emotional learning goals, restorative practices, and positive school climate initiatives.
That said, the activities and lessons connected to the Great Kindness Challenge can be used any time of year. Many schools extend the impact by revisiting kindness themes throughout the semester or incorporating them into advisory, SEL blocks, or character education lessons.
Why the Great Kindness Challenge Matters
Research consistently shows that schools with strong cultures of kindness and belonging experience:
- Improved student behavior
- Increased engagement and attendance
- Stronger peer and adult relationships
- Reduced bullying and exclusion
The Great Kindness Challenge provides a shared language and shared experience around kindness, helping students see that compassion is not just encouraged—it is expected and celebrated.
Whether you teach elementary, middle, or high school, let’s explore fun and engaging Great Kindness Challenge activities by grade level. These ideas are designed to feel joyful, authentic, and easy to implement, while still making a lasting impact!
Great Kindness Challenge Activities for Elementary School (Grades K–5)
1. Kindness Bingo or Checklist
Create a kid-friendly kindness bingo board or checklist with actions such as:
- Invite someone new to play
- Say thank you to a teacher
- Write a kind note
- Help clean up without being asked
Students can color in squares as they complete acts of kindness throughout the week.
2. Compliment Circles
Have students sit in a circle. Each student gives a compliment to the person next to them, focusing on effort, kindness, or character—not appearance. This builds confidence and positive peer connections.
3. Kindness Chain
Each time a student completes an act of kindness, they write it on a paper strip. Link the strips together to create a classroom or hallway kindness chain that grows throughout the week.
4. Read-Alouds That Promote Kindness
Incorporate books that highlight empathy, inclusion, and kindness. After reading, have students draw or write about how they can apply the message in their own lives.
5. Secret Kindness Buddy
Assign each student a “secret kindness buddy” for the week. Their goal is to quietly do kind things for that person and reveal themselves at the end of the challenge.
Great Kindness Challenge Activities for Middle School (Grades 6–8)
Middle school students thrive when kindness activities feel authentic, social, and student-driven.
1. Kindness Shout-Out Wall
Create a bulletin board or digital space where students can publicly recognize peers and staff for acts of kindness. Encourage specific shout-outs such as:
- “Thank you for including me at lunch.”
- “I noticed you helping someone who was upset.”
2. Kindness Challenges by Day
Design daily themes such as:
- Mindful Monday: Say something kind to three people
- Thoughtful Tuesday: Write a thank-you note
- Welcoming Wednesday: Sit with someone new
- Thankful Thursday: Appreciate a staff member
- Friendly Friday: Invite someone into a group
3. Social Media Kindness Campaign
For schools that allow it, students can create positive posts, graphics, or messages promoting kindness, inclusion, and encouragement—while also discussing digital citizenship and responsible posting.
4. Reflection Journals
Ask students to reflect on prompts such as:
- How did it feel to give kindness?
- Was it harder or easier than expected?
- How did kindness affect your relationships?
5. Peer-to-Peer Kindness Cards
Provide blank cards for students to write anonymous messages of encouragement to classmates. Teachers can distribute them at the end of the week.
Great Kindness Challenge Activities for High School (Grades 9–12)
High school students benefit from activities that connect kindness to real-world impact and leadership.
1. Kindness in Action Projects
Have students design small group projects such as:
- Organizing a supply drive
- Creating care packages
- Writing letters to community members or younger students
2. Advisory or Homeroom Discussions
Facilitate guided discussions on topics like:
- Kindness vs. performative kindness
- Bystander responsibility
- How words and actions impact school culture
3. Gratitude Letters
Students write a letter to someone who positively influenced their life—a teacher, coach, counselor, or family member. This activity is powerful and often deeply reflective.
4. Kindness Leadership Boards
Highlight student leaders who model kindness, inclusion, and empathy. Feature quotes or short reflections from students about why kindness matters.
5. Pay-It-Forward Challenges
Encourage students to complete one act of kindness and inspire the recipient to “pay it forward,” tracking how kindness spreads across the campus.
School-Wide Great Kindness Challenge Ideas (All Grades)
- Morning announcements with daily kindness quotes or challenges
- Dress-up days (Wear Kindness Colors, Team Kindness Day)
- Staff appreciation activities planned by students
- Kindness assemblies or town halls
- Photo walls or bulletin boards celebrating kindness in action
Making the Great Kindness Challenge Meaningful
The most successful Great Kindness Challenge experiences are:
- Inclusive
- Developmentally appropriate
- Reinforced through reflection
- Modeled by adults
When students see teachers and staff participating, kindness becomes a shared value rather than a one-week event.
Final Thoughts
The Great Kindness Challenge is more than a checklist—it is an opportunity to intentionally shape school culture. By offering fun, age-appropriate activities and creating space for reflection, schools can help students understand that kindness is powerful, courageous, and transformative.
Whether you are planning for a single classroom or an entire campus, these Great Kindness Challenge activities can help ensure that students walk away not only having done kind things—but believing that they belong.
If you are looking to build a school culture rooted in empathy, connection, and respect, the Great Kindness Challenge is the perfect place to start.